Life after/before

Abstract

This final thesis defense presents Life After/Before, a docufiction that investigates themes of identity, representation, memory, and self-discovery. The film intertwines fact and fiction, featuring family members portraying themselves in a staged yet emotionally genuine narrative. Drawing on Werner Herzog's concept of ecstatic truth and Charles Eidsvik's notion of cinematic artifice, the project transcends traditional documentary formats to create emotional authenticity. Structured around the stages of grief, the film engages with theoretical insights from authors like Gilles Deleuze, and David MacDougall, highlighting how mediated memories shape personal and collective understanding. Through a blend of journal, road movie, and family album styles, Life After/Before becomes both a personal archive and a broader commentary on cultural heritage. This project underscores how artistic practices can effectively process complex emotions and histories, revealing the filmmaker as a product of her master’s journey. Key words: docufiction; memory; identity; staging, heritage.