NEUW: A SHORT FILM

Coffee's Cold

NEUW denim according to filmmakers Thomas and Prospera.

Sydney-based filmmakers Thomas and Prospera share an appreciation for the understated character of city life.

“I think that’s why we love NEUW,” Prospera says.

“When we think of NEUW, we think of an effortless city-cool… things like wearing jeans that are a little ripped from walking in them for years, or sticking with classic denim silhouettes, because you know who you are and what you like.”

“It’s about doing your own thing, and doing it well,” Thomas says.

With Coffee's Cold, Thomas and Prospera were inspired by the freedom of the NEUW attitude.

“We imagined these two people who don’t question who they are, who just belong in the city and wear denim like a second skin. We didn’t think about why they were wearing denim or what it meant to them - it was just something they do.”

“That was a really interesting premise to play with, because often we think of clothing as a conscious choice that expresses something about a person. But instead we sort of treated wearing denim like being naked: square one. So we kept everything as bare as we could - the hair, the makeup, the styling. Even the crew was just four people.”

Thomas and Prospera say they are explicitly interested in getting to the “real core” of things in everything they make. The pair say shooting on 16mm film is a big part of creating this feeling.

“It’s not just about the lovely texture the film creates. Analogue cameras have a real authority which digital cameras do not: you have a finite amount of film to shoot on, which means you really plan and limit your takes. When the camera rolls, everyone is present. You also don’t quite know what you shot until you get your scans back a few days later.

It’s quite a magical process really, and I think that uncertainty brings something more instinctive and honest to the finished film.”

Harry wears Liam Relaxed in Raw Selvedge.
Mia wears Sienna Straight in Marseille.

Starring Mia Kidis and Harry Pearse
Directors Thomas van Gool and Prospera
Production Company Axolotl Films
Assistant Director Taku Rodgers
Cinematographer Jake Frazer
Editor Thomas van Gool
Music Lucas Holder Young