puberty

Photographer Natalie Neal has embarked on a new challenge in the form of film making. This is a natural progression for many, and as Natalie already has a very pointed style of photography her work Rose and Sophia is in keeping with her trademark.

Citizens Of Culture: You tend to shoot coming of age pieces, why is this perspective important to you?
Natalie Neal: It’s my point of view, I have five sisters, It is an important time.

COC: Is this a film for young girls or adults, how does the setting contribute to the audience?
NN: The film is for everyone. Adults feel comfortable because, its life change but its not midlife criss. It is a universal period everyone goes through.

COC: Is there anything particularly significant about it being young girls?
NN: I don’t want to seem as though I am making films only for women. I am a woman so that is how I see it but whatever you go through in puberty everyone is going through.

COC:Do you find that view your work as a social statement?
NN:Somewhat, I hope the characters in both films can be seen in  framework where women are the protagonists. I’d like for both sexes to acknowledge women’s stories as human stories and for women to see themselves as the leading lady in their own lives.

COC: So who IS your audience if you had to describe them?
NN: Anyone that would like Freaks and Geeks, the nostalgia of it. There are some relatable experiences in there for men and women.

COC: You have another film you are working on now, what is that about?
NN: Seashells, it is a story about a young girl that get’s her first bra.

COC:The bra is antagonist?
NN: Kind of, it is a time when you are being held responsible for becoming an adult but are confined to childhood.

COC: That’s really pretty deep.
NN: It sounds like its academic to articulate it, but its really just how my brain works.

http://natalienealphotography.com/