James DeLisio '25

Lobsteropolis

An experimental documentary observing the California Spiny Lobster.

An observation of the California Spiny Lobster (Panulirus interruptus) through a series of disparate contexts, tracing its passage through the commercial fishing and scientific research industries. Through a slow, silent visual study, the entanglement of nonhuman life in issues of ecology, labor, and knowledge production come to the surface.

Q&A

Fellowship Cohort: Spring 2024

Why did you choose this project? 
My artistic practice largely revolves around interaction with local ecologies, and so throughout my time at UC San Diego I made several short films on animals occupying urban spaces in San Diego county. This film, "Lobsteropolis," is the culmination of those efforts, looking at the ways various industries and institutions intersect with the marine natural world.

How was this fellowship meaningful or impactful to you? 
We would have certainly been unable to complete this film without the support from the Suraj Israni fellowship. We were able to use the funds for underwater filming equipment and media storage (which we needed quite a bit of), as well as paying for professional sound design & mixing, which was a luxury that I've never been able to afford as a student filmmaker. Essentially, the support from the Suraj Israni center enabled us to make the film in a more professional and comprehensive manner than would have otherwise been possible.

Have you showcased this work in any other ways or places? Do you have any future plans related to this work? 
Slow Film Festival in London, UK this September!  

James DeLisio is a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Southern California. His filmmaking practice uses experimental nonfiction to explore the histories and ecologies of Southern California. He is a fellow with the Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts, and has been supported by the William Male Foundation, the Russell Foundation, and Labocine. His films have screened at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth, the San Diego Asian Film Festival, the USC Eco Film + Media Arts Festival, the Catalina Film Festival, and more.