Alix Em
LIZARDS IN LOCKDOWN
A video series by Alix Em, 2020.
Drama, dread, fantasy, and frolicking fill Matcha and Bubby’s household during the CoVid-19 pandemic. This part-documentary, part-fantasy narrative is drawn from sound and image captured within their home, as they share it with four humans, 24/7. With curiosity, vigor, and rage, they cope with the loss of privacy and quiet; they confront friendship squabbles, love and rejection, and the frightening forces of human society. This female and male pair is determined to live fully, despite their captivity and some dreary days. Bubby and Matcha’s growth from pre-adolescence to adulthood, and their awareness of the wider world, evolve in surreal fashion. This is not fake news.
Ten to twelve unique episodes, ranging from three to ten minutes, will comprise this ongoing series. Viewers can stream all existing episodes on YouTube.
ABOUT THE VIDEOMAKER AND PROJECT
Alix Emilia has spent the past decade as a freelance video editor, a nature photographer, parent, and teacher. When America was locked down in March 2020 Alix decided to tackle a longstanding aspiration: to make an episodic nature documentary. Remote learning (homeschooling) would either destroy all crumbs of creativity, or it would be the perfect set up for inventing something fantastical, educational, and scary. And it wouldn't bore the kids! LIZARDS IN LOCKDOWN, Alix's first video series, is an ongoing project where the mind-crushing experience of pandemic living in a self-destructive country is recorded, pondered, twisted, and escaped. It stars two pet green anoles, Matcha and Bubby, and the voices, hands, and crickets that enter their terrarium.
PLAYLIST All available episodes in order
INDIVIDUAL VIDEOS:
MATCHA IN THE MORNING
Episode 1, March 2020 (3:05)
Matcha wakes up in her terrarium, peacefully unaware that the Covid19 lockdown, for the humans in her household, has arrived. Starring Matcha. Video by Alix Em.
THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS
Episode 2, March 24, 2020 (5:53)
The Covid-19 pandemic makes its way around the globe, upending and ending lives. New York is the epicenter of the moment and the lizards are feeling it.
BUBBY CLAIMS HIS SPACE
Episode 3, March 25, 2020 (5:33)
Bubby and Matcha realize they'll be together 24/7 in their small apartment for the foreseeable future. They compete for the best basking spot and the most comfortable nighttime perch.
COVID SNACKS
Episode 4, March 31, 2020 (4:14)
Bubby relishes the best snack in the house. Starring Bubby, with Matcha.
BINGE WATCHING WITH THE EMILIAS
Episode 5, April 2020 (6:47)
Matcha and Bubby's little world is invaded and influenced by the viewing habits of the 2-legged predators that feed them. They play their parts so well, as they perform for gazing eyes.
SURVEILLANCE IN SPRING
Episode 6 (10:03)
What do we learn by watching; or being watched?
What do lizards see, that we humans cannot?
Enter the little world of our green anoles and you may experience the answers.
Anoles are mesmerizing. Just open your eyes and take your time.