Los Angeles-based director Jordan Blady, known for his videos for bands including Unknown Mortal Orchestra, talks about his short film Syllables:

“In terms of narrative, I am most fascinated by characters that know what they want, try to do something about it, but ultimately do not change. To me this is true to life. I am interested in the loop, in the lack of change, and how a character will often repeat themselves—especially in cases where they have learned something in the process.

“Awareness does not necessarily bring change. In fact, in my experience the two have very little to do with one another. Syllables features a protagonist that explores the relationship between the two.”