Fundamentals of the Stoma

'Stoma is a twenty minute narrative film conceived and photographed by Carl Wiedemann. It presents an array of characters who simultaneously speak with great confidence and limited coherence. The recording medium was 16mm, black and white, motion-picture film. Filming began in August of 1998 and continued on an erratic basis until November 2002.

Synopsis:

Four characters inhabit a film noir landscape of decaying buildings and surreal speech patterns. Motivations are oblique, postures are severe, and chain-smoking is mandatory. The Occupant investigates a Stoma. Executioner Bremer torments a Paralytic. Commander Horst plots our collective doom.

performers Dominique Gallo, Robynne Gravenhorst, B. Braun, & Jaimie-Lee Wise. photos by Carl Wiedemann

Screenings

• November 6, 2004. Heaven Gallery, Chicago. Apple Cider Video Screening.
• September 12, 2004. Landmark Arts Gallery, 841 W. Randolph St., Chicago.
• August 7, 2004. Bearded Child Film Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Meg Hafdahl of the Reader Weekly in Duluth was strongly moved: "The word hate doesn't even begin to describe my feelings for this stinking, self-important pile of crap."
• Stoma screened on December 5 + 7, 2003 at Links Hall in Chicago along with other short films by Carl Wiedemann. View the complete program.
• October 7 and 8, 2003. The Michigan Independent Film Festival.
• Stoma had its second public screening at The Around the Coyote Arts Festival on Friday, September 5th, 2003. The curator wrote: "Wiedemann has got the look down. Black and white rules! Desolate post-apocalyptic urban cityscapes frame these hyper-smart underground types. "
• 'Stoma premiered at the Chicago Underground Film Festival on Thursday, August 28th, 2003.

Excerpt from the Screenplay

Horst: "What's the report from The Stoma?"
Bremer: "Intermittent activity in the Central Southern Tier."
Horst: "What do you recommend?"
Bremer: "Scorched Earth Diplomacy.
Horst: "When the toe is irritated, you would excise the leg? This wouldn't be the first time you've tossed a damp infant."
Bremer: "Infantile Paralysis will be our salvation."