RTA student film explores universal themes of patience and ambiguous grief
RTA Media Production Student Dana Rocca explored themes of patience and ambiguous grief and the coping of a loss before death in her practicum project and short film Osbor. In the competitive world of film production, bringing a vision to life requires more than just creativity; it demands dedication, collaboration, and a profound connection to the story being told. Rocca pulled from her own lived experiences to bring this short film to life.
BTS shot from the set of Osbor
Osbor is a short film focused on the main character Farida, a 21-year-old Egyptian-Canadian as she tries her best to navigate through the challenges that come with life. Farida is forced to balance the expectations of post-grad life while also dealing with the ambiguous grief from the loss of one of the most monumental figures in her life. Teta, her grandmother, has been slowly deteriorating after her Alzheimer's diagnosis, and Fardia struggles to cope with the circumstances.
From patience to pitch
Since her first year in the Media Production program, Rocca says she has always known that she wanted to direct a short film in her fourth year.
“Leading up to the pitches, I had a tough time completing an overall storyline. After having a conversation with my grandma, the idea for Osbor started taking form,” Rocca said. “The effects of Alzheimer's are not something unusual for my family. My grandpa had Alzheimer's, and I watched him go through it when I was younger, and I know it is something that many people relate to and have different stories concerning the ambiguous grief of loss before death.”
After a successful pitch to faculty members and fellow students, Osbor was chosen to be produced. The team expanded, bringing together RTA students as producers and co-writers Sarah Previte and Alex Watson. The collaborative effort continued as they developed and refined multiple versions of Osbor, culminating in the final film we see today. The executive team grew further, including RTA students Yousif Hassan (Audio Lead), Anjeli Jaikarann (Production Manager), and Dhruv Gogia (Casting Director).
The significance of the word “Osbor” - “أصبر” and diverse voices
The word Osbor, meaning patience in Arabic, holds a personal and cultural significance for Rocca.
“It derives from the Arabic word ‘Sabr,’ emphasizing the act of being patient,” she added.
Inspired by her grandmother's account of her grandfather often saying, “osbory, be patient,” the title encapsulates the film's central theme. Rocca explains the importance of distinguishing between patience and being patient and incorporates an Arabic saying in the film: “Osbroy tanooly ila fe balek,” which translates to “be patient and you will get what you're aiming for.”
The recurring themes of patience and loss before death are intricately woven into the fabric of Osbor, showcasing how they transcend language and cultural boundaries. Rocca expresses a strong belief in the importance of diverse voices in the film industry, emphasizing the infusion of cultural creativity and accurate representation of diverse communities. As media becomes globally accessible, diverse voices contribute to a richer tapestry of stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. Rocca also expressed her advocacy for expanding, representing, and relating to all audiences through the power of diverse narratives.
It takes patience, and a village
As Rocca reflects on the journey of creating Osbor, she credits the RTA program for its invaluable support throughout the project.
“The RTA program provided us with great guidance from our practicum advisor, our RTA peers, great resources and equipment,” Rocca added. “Leading up to this final graduation project, we were prepared to implement all of our learnings of all aspects of a production from our prior classes into this one big practicum.”
To current students interested in producing and directing their short films, Rocca offers a resounding piece of advice: "No matter how difficult, do it!" Encouraging students to push their boundaries, experiment, and embrace learning opportunities, Rocca highlights the unique nature of this academic endeavour, where mistakes become valuable lessons. The practicum is a moment to try, fail, adapt, and ultimately succeed in realizing one's creative vision.
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