Business as (un)usual

Emerald Pictures director Nathan R Smith has created a tender portrait of the persistence of those unable to quarantine, such as grocery store owners, dry cleaners and road workers.

Titled Moment of Pause, the film features stories of shopkeepers and restaurateurs describing their struggles under lockdown, of barely having enough income to cover utilities or rent, “but we’re still staying open – just to be hopeful.” 

Some reflect on the early days of the pandemic, of customers coming in with “fear-stricken eyes” and how they feel a duty to keep serving their neighbourhood and to make sure “customers leave with a lighter spirit”. 

It’s a heartwarming portrayal of community life under corona and is greatly enhanced by a poignant score from composer Allie Armstrong. 

A finalist in the Young Director Award film competition, Creation in Isolation, it was shot over the course of one week using leftover rolls of 16mm film. 

Fun fact: the Chuppa Chups logo featured in the still above is based on an original 1969 design by Salvador Dali.