Abstract 

This paper provides an overview of how a moving image practice is used to develop a critical narrative around the culture of ‘unexceptional’ urban space. The place of this enquiry is the Te canal that separates Ho Chi Minh City’s Districts 4 and 7. HCMC is undergoing a process of rapid modernisation, and waterfront spaces are premium venues for redevelopment. The Te canal, built by the French colonial authorities in the early 20th century is the location of a long standing community, that was divided by the canal itself. The built environment is not considered to be heritage, and therefore is considered to lack any cultural value so ‘wont be missed’. 

Using moving image as a medium of exploratory and experimental practice, a series of filmed sequences have been collected that are the start of visual biography of the canal. This collection is populated by durational sequences, some of which are then put through a postproduction process that reveals moments in the life of the canal that go unnoticed in this fast paced city. The sequences are layered and to build an atmospheric description. They are not montaged until the development of ‘films’ that offer accessibility. This tension in the practice is critical to the process of revealing life of the canal. 

This current project has delivered a series of 100+ moving image sequences, which have been viewed over 8800 times and downloaded sequences totaled over 2600. The main impact of this research to date is to establish an increased understanding of the value of unexceptional urban spaces. Engaging two local cafes as venues for a series of AR (Augmented Reality) installations based on the data collected created a bridge to local and international communities. However this dissemination of the practice is an ongoing process and will develop as this project develops. 

Keywords: Film, Moving image, AR, Cities, HCMC, Experiential