Notes on 'el lugar indeseado' (the undesired place)

'The undesired place' is an effort at creating an audiovisual portrait through the means of alternative poetics. It is indeed a portrait because I am presenting a 26-minute window into the lives of several gold-panners in the Osa Peninsula. The glimpse is a result of witnessing the men's daily activities, routines and rituals, as well as being able to listen to them speak about their understanding of their complex situation. In the film, I use a combination of narrative elements and techniques that help create a sensorial experience: a trance-like soundscape based mostly on the sound of water; the inclusion of old photographs, abrupt cutting between sequences; a certain disconnect between sequences; very limited exposition or additional contextual information; the inclusion of a poetic voice-over read by on the men; and the use of very patient and static camera shots. The film is an exercise/experiment at presenting a portrait through the accumulation of subtle yet strange moments. This report offers notes and insight into the creative, logistical and conceptual components of creating the 'The undesired place.'