 "Photo: Pavan Bapu")
The El is often seen as a means to get from point A to point B, and many commuters overlook unique sounds echoing from the underground stations.
"Sound Underground" is a documentary made by two UIC students that explores the lives of a number of performers at downtown El stations. It is directed by Pavan Bapu, a third year English major and Zach White, a fourth year communication major with Justin Thomas, a second year at Oakton College, as assistant director.
Though a few private screenings of the film have already taken place on campus, public screenings are expected early next semester.
Bapu, Thomas and White created the documentary to expose and give recognition to those who perform.
"The film was made in order to show the diversity of these performers," said White. To show that the stereotypes of these people "don't actually conform" to who they really are.
"Lots of people just pass by and don't notice [these performers]. This film forces you to look at the people you wouldn't usually look at," said White.
Bapu said El riders are often "passive observers. This documentary goes beyond that."
Making this documentary even changed the perspectives of the crew: prior to filming, Bapu thought these performers were "recluse people in their own worlds performing for money," but he learned money was actually not the objective of most of these performers.
"These people down there, believe it or not, are people with jobs and degrees-they do this just to release stress," said Bapu.
"They all have special skills, and are educated well," said White.
Thomas said he was surprised by "how much of a community they are. They all look out for each other...What we came in with and what we came out with are completely different. It's been a process."
The documentary explores many reasons the performers decided to perform in the subway. To name a few, the subway provides an escape from "corporate America," it is an environment where people can't just walk away from the music and it allows the performer to release pent-up stress. Money ranked as the primary concern to only one performer; otherwise, it was low on the priorities.
Bapu notes the use of specific cinematography and film techniques to enhance each individual performer. For example, one performer, Keith, sings '70s songs, so the camera work tries to reflect that.
"I wanted the era represented as well," said Bapu.
The film started as an idea Bapu and White had in a previous creative writing class and took almost a year to make.
Before filming, Bapu, White and Thomas had to gain the trust of the performers and immerse themselves into the culture in order to depict it realistically.
The most challenging obstacle was negotiating with CTA in order to waive the fees associated with filming in El stations.
"We got the fees waived because of our status as students and because this is a non-profit program," said Bapu.
Once that obstacle was overcome, the filming lasted three to four hours a day for three to four weeks throughout last summer.
After the film was completed, each performer received a copy.
"They couldn't believe it is their music [in the documentary]. They do not believe how good it is," said Bapu.
"[The performers] recognize us now," said Thomas. "It's like we're friends."
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