“I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain. One always finds one’s burden again… The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus
The journey of creating Rocketship spans three transformative years, beginning with a serendipitous encounter that changed everything. While I was attempting to capture a timelapse for another project, a man suddenly burst out of what I initially thought was an abandoned building. His name was Rocket, and what began as a simple curiosity about the building’s graffiti quickly evolved into something much deeper.
As I spent time with Rocket, I became captivated by his unique perspective on life and his gut-wrenching history of trauma. His stories unfolded like layers of paint on the walls around us, revealing the struggles and resilience that shaped him. Rocket became more than just a subject; he was a window into the human experience, a reminder of the complexities we all carry. I wanted my audience to spend meaningful time with him, to connect with his humanity as they explored his space.
Throughout this filmmaking process, I was fortunate to have the support of many talented students who contributed their skills and creativity to Rocketship. Each person left their mark on the final film, whether through cinematography, sound design, or production assistance. Together, we transformed the building into a versatile canvas, using its industrial design not only for Rocketship but also for a short horror film and as a recording space for a local choir.
The mill’s vast, gritty aesthetics offered the perfect backdrop for our ideas, serving as a character in its own right. Every creaking floorboard and vibrant graffiti mural told a story, providing layers of meaning that enriched the film. As we navigated the challenges and triumphs of the creative process, Rocketship evolved into a tapestry woven from Rocket’s experiences and the contributions of a passionate team, culminating in a narrative that resonates with the heart and soul of a community.
