GNDR, 9min,. USA
Directed by Lucas Ruderman
The story of Gender, in much of early World Mysticism, begins with the creation of the human as one multi-gendered being, severed by divine decree. Using an intensely dramatic, archetypal dance vocabulary that includes the use of hand-designed theater masks, GNDR, examines the historical and contemporary fallout of this myth, as two individuals struggle to reclaim original wholeness in a dance fraught with desire, repulsion, and yearning. Ultimately, the subtle question is posed: Who are we beyond our bodies? Who are we, really?

Get to know dancer/choreographers Igor Sharapanyuk & Judith Rose:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

For several years now, we as a team of collaborative creators, have desired to explore the theme of gender through the medium of movement. We began by studying a variety of texts from various sources related to this theme including the teachings of the Kabbalah, the writings of Plato, and the poetry of mystics of the East.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took nearly fourteen months from the time we conceptualized the project until completion of editing the raw footage.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Evocative and profound.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The toughest part of the project was reaching out to secure funding from sponsors, donors, and grants.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

We were deeply moved by the emotional and intuitive responses from the audience. Especially considering that no particular context had been provided prior or post viewing.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Several years ago, following our initial collaboration on a small project, we realized that we wished to make dance films that would provide a meaningful forum for communal discussion and personal reflection.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

For Igor it would have to be "Chicago" and "Cabaret".

For Judith it is "Dirty Dancing" and "Un Homme et une Femme".

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Help this project reach many more audiences globally. Facilitate professionally moderated communal discussions with artists and audience members.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

All aspects of submission were user friendly.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Both of us being foodies, we realized that there isn't a particular favorite.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Completion of a photography project and certainly another dance short, exploring the perils of violence and greed.