Ash Beetle Backstep (Part 03 of Augury)

New bugs, lost trees. And after the Green Resurrection, will there be a confession? Guided by an original soundtrack of Appalachian dirges and drones, this is the third of eight connected works which contemplate the history of, and possible responses to, technophilia. Through augury a city is founded: the bridge, the temple, the tower, the burial ground. Using handheld and macro video, family super 8 and archival footage, Augury explores the fissures in constructed space for signs of personhood, care, and the possibility of a shared pre-linguistic ground. At each site, various strategies of ethical engagement are suggested: wait out the techno-enthrallment, unconceal the ancient myths, map alternative narratives, breathe through the machine, or seed wilderness in the cracks. Beneath strange skies, Augury seeks a sign. The full version of Augury is available through CFMDC.