Don’t you always find it interesting when you discover a new word, or term, or phrase that describes something in a way that you never heard before. As I’m sure you understand, I always love the play of words. So, I am forever digging deep into the structure of the human language.
 
Anyway, and in any case, the other day a friend of mine pointed me to a place where Google describe my recent filmmaking as, “Visual tone poems.” I’d never heard that term before, but I guess it’s been used for a while now.
 
What is a Visual Tone Poem you may ask. I know I did. In brief, “A visual tone poem is an artwork, film, or video, that evokes a mood, emotion, an abstract narrative through striking imagery, rhythm, and atmosphere rather than traditional dialogue or linear storyline. It translates the atmospheric goals of musical tone poems into a visual medium. Atmosphere over Plot: Prioritizes mood, texture, color, and pacing over a structured character-driven story.”
 
“A visual tone poem is a film, video, or multimedia art piece that prioritizes mood, atmosphere, and aesthetic beauty over a traditional linear story. It acts like a musical tone poem—which evokes a landscape or emotion through sound—but translates that sensory experience into moving images, color, and rhythm. Atmospheric focus: Prioritizes feelings, textures, and emotional resonance rather than dialogue or plot. Rhythmic editing: Cuts, transitions, and camera movements flow in a musical or lyrical cadence. Strong imagery: Relies on striking cinematography, lighting, and composition to communicate ideas.”
 
There’s a couple of definitions for you. You can dig deeper into the definition if you feel like. I know there’s more out there.
 
But, all that seems fairly well defined and pretty much right on target.
 
I know most people who view my Zen Films are locked into a time gone past. They want some semblance of story structure. Why? I don’t know??? I guess it provides them with something to think/talk about it. But, all these people who are lost, speaking about the long ago and the far-far away, have really missed the point, Zen Filmmaking has evolved. And, it has evolved to what I believe is a much more pure representation of Zen. I haven’t made a story-driven film for well over fifteen years.  But, I have made a lot of movies since then.
 
For me, I always just call my cinematic works, “Zen Films.” But…
 
“Visual Tone Poems,” I guess that’s what they are. At least so says the all-knowing mind of Google. I guess we can run with that.