FEATURED FILMMAKER: ZACH SCHRANK

Zach Schrank has followed his interest in the Anthropocene into the documentary filmmaking space, and he’s elevated environmental stories from the Hoosier state along the way.

As a Professor of Sociology at Indiana University South Bend, Schrank’s research interests–including consumerism and the changing environment–inspired him to experiment with different methods of communication. “I’ve found that many of the complex concepts within these areas can be challenging for students and the public to fully grasp,” he explains. “This challenge led me to explore how photography and film could serve as powerful complements to my academic work, enabling me to better illustrate the intricate workings of the world and animate the profound social processes that shape our lives.”

“Documentary filmmaking became the natural evolution of this impulse,” Schrank continues. “It's a uniquely powerful medium because it can illuminate complex issues and transport viewers to new perceptions of the world, expanding our understanding and empathy in ways that other forms of communication often cannot.”

Among these complex issues is the Anthropocene, the current geological epoch marked by the far-reaching impact of human actions. In collaboration with Aaron Yoder of Indiana Aerials, who filmed numerous locations across the state by drone, and Nate Utesch, who composed and recorded an original score as Metavari, Schrank brings this global concept home to Hoosiers in the 2023 film Liminal: Indiana in the Anthropocene. “Without a doubt, Liminal: Indiana in the Anthropocene has been my favorite film project,” he says. “The entire experience–from meticulously scouting locations across the state, to witnessing Aaron Yoder’s extraordinary ability to capture breathtaking aerial imagery with his drone, and finally experiencing the film brought to life by Nate Utesch’s original score–was a rewarding experience and project.”

Liminal is a non-narrative, feature-length documentary composed entirely of aerial footage that is often disorienting and always stunning. The film is available to stream at hoodox.tv and has been screened at events across Indiana. “I’ve been fortunate to partner with organizations like Hoodox and Indiana Humanities, whose support has significantly broadened the reach of my films, particularly Liminal,” says Schrank. “The true impact became evident during those screenings where I had the privilege of meeting and engaging with hundreds of Hoosiers. The collective experience of watching the documentary, followed by a live discussion, demonstrated its effect. People are actively seeking opportunities to convene around shared interests and concerns, to collectively grapple with complex ideas, to forge connections, and to build community. Hoosier films, created for Hoosier audiences, are uniquely positioned to facilitate this kind of meaningful engagement.”

“Like most things in Indiana,” Schrank continues, “the approach, style, and expression of creative work here isn’t always glitzy. But it is often full of insights that align with the American experience in underappreciated ways. Also, there is very little to life in Indiana that is pretentious or snobby. And something about that ‘down-to-earth’ ethos and humble ethic that is common to most Hoosiers is also exhibited in the Indiana filmmaking community. That makes it a welcoming, generous, and affirming environment that might not be as abundant in other places.”

This is the community that Hoodox exists to support and empower, and we’re committed to helping more Hoosiers bring their dream documentary projects to life. That’s why 50% of our funding goes directly back to filmmakers like Schrank who are bringing the stories of our state to the big screen. Visit watchhoodox.com/support to learn more about how you can further our mission to share and support filmmaking in Indiana.

“From time to time, I think about the phrase ‘bloom where you are planted’ and consider how it is a useful perspective to apply wherever I find myself in life,” Schrank shares. “With that idiom, I’d like to encourage other Hoosier filmmakers and creative artists. There are many more exciting places around the world to escape to, but just as many hidden stories and potential creative endeavours to pursue right here in Indiana. If you can, dig in, connect, reveal, and make Indiana better.”

Follow Schrank’s work on Instagram @allaregone.

Photos provided by Zach Schrank.