If we were to look back on our culture, what would we have to say about it? What would matter to us when everything else was over? Tonight and the People is an infusion of American culture, where stereotypical representations come together in the face of the Apocalypse to reflect on the ideals, dreams, values and politics of their time.
It’s an interesting concept to say the least, combining stereotypes and culture. It makes you question what is important and what is artificial. Tonight and the People is all about the artificial; from the dialogue to the set, from the stylized movements and references from the characters to the discussion of big themes, the short film makes sure that it is a literal product of its own design. Not one to shy away from conceptual pieces, Tonight and the People’s construction intrigued me; how would Neil Beloufa’s vision play out on screen?
The film is ultimately a celebration of culture, and is certainly an intriguing, if not a marginally surreal watch, but it is rather cleverly done and the stylistic elements elevate it to something more than just one person’s take on culture through their own creation of characters.
Tonight and the People will be screening as part of the East End Festival at Rich Mix on 17th of June! Check out the full line up here!