Review of Remembering Nearfield
By Safe Tech International
Remembering Nearfield is an animated short film by Sean A. Carney that artfully introduces the viewer to Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), a condition that affects millions of people around the world. The story is told through the eyes of a woman whose life became unbearable due to the onset of unexplained ill health and subsequent loss of job as her dreams were shattered. She shares her journey of discovery of the source of her ailments, her initial disbelief, her feelings of being stigmatized and blamed, and ultimately being confined to her home.
Having extensive knowledge of both the science and politics of digital technology, as well as deep empathy, Carney masterfully and with keen attention to detail depicts the lived experience of those suffering with EHS. He does so while also providing much useful background information such as the recent history of technology, sources of radiation, for-profit industry science, and the fact that the public remains largely uninformed about impacts of electromagnetic fields on health and wildlife.
In much the same way as the chorus is used in Greek Tragedy, Carney provides textual and image “commentary” around and behind the EHS story-teller to echo and underscore her message. For example, as she begins her story, a stampede of larger-than-life electric cords barge in making their way across the screen, seemingly oblivious to anyone and anything in their way. And when discussing her health, an image alluding to tobacco science hovers on either side of the screen hinting that industry-funded science is currently being used in much the same way it was used by the tobacco industry. The film is rich in similar details that help to fine-tune the viewer’s understanding of EHS.
The film opens with staccato images flashing disjointedly on the screen to the backdrop of emotive arpeggiated piano music that softens the heart. Immediately, one is struck by signal interference in both the audio and visual tracks which brings to mind the early days of motion pictures. The interference feels uncomfortable and a bit disturbing. What’s going on? Is something wrong with the film or with this device?
We soon learn that Carney creatively used this technique to convey viscerally how EHS people feel when around electromagnetic fields. The signal disruption occurs periodically throughout the movie echoing the lived experience of people with EHS: if the ambient radiation levels are low or negligible, things can appear clear and calm; if high, there may be great disturbance and discomfort.
A bee, the symbol of our dependence on and interconnection with the natural world, concludes the story as the insect’s buzz morphs into the now familiar audio interference sound and serves as a transition to the closing section. As food for thought, we read the words of Social Theorist Paul Virilio:
When you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck; when you invent the plane you also invent the plane crash; and when you invent electricity, you invent electrocution… Every technology carries its own negativity, which is invented at the same time as technical progress.
Following a brief definition of EHS and the credits, the screen goes blank while the music plays on, allowing the viewer ample time to absorb, contemplate and feel what they have just learned.
Remembering Nearfield is truly a feast for the mind, heart and imagination where one can discover something new with each viewing. Carney has provided a compelling story and a wellspring of information to stir the imagination and get people asking questions. Which, after all, is exactly what our world needs now.
***
Following is a review of Remembering Nearfield by Professor Olle Johansson.
Olle Johansson is a scientist who has dedicated his life to research, writing, and public speaking about the impacts of wireless radiation on health and wildlife. For more information about Professor Johansson work, please visit this website.
To read Professor Johansson’s review click HERE.
We are grateful to Sean Carney for this film as it will potentially help many people live a healthier, fuller, and more vibrant life. We encourage you to share it widely so that people can better understand EHS, and public policy can address it with more compassion.
To watch Remembering Nearfield, click HERE.
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