in memoriam., 30min,. USA, Dance/Experimental
Directed by S. Asher Gelman
Like rooms of a home, we live in rooms of our lives; trapping moments and memories to the subtle things surrounding us. In the home of our mind, we repeat the past to move on into the future. This 30 minute dance for film was shot in one take, to explore the memories sewing our rooms together and how we choose to step outside or stay recessed in our past.

http://www.midnighttheatricals.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

During the pandemic, I was inspired to overcome the limitations of virtual art. The collaboration with a dancer, Ashley Zimmerman, who was open to working in person within an empty apartment, ignited the creative process for this unique film project.

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

The film was a labor of love that spanned several months. We spent three months rehearsing, completed the filming in a single day, and then dedicated extra time to refining the editing, color, and sound aspects.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Choreographed nostalgia.

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

Our primary hurdle was the commitment to filming the entire piece in a single take. Even the smallest error would necessitate a complete reshoot of the 30-minute film, placing considerable physical and mental strain on everyone, especially our remarkable dancer, Ashley. On top of that, fine-tuning the sound levels to achieve the perfect balance throughout the film was a more complex task than I had initially foreseen.

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

I was deeply gratified to witness the audience's connection with the core themes and messages of our film.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

My passion for diverse artistic expression has always been strong, and filmmaking naturally emerged as another creative outlet to explore.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

The 1991 classic, Beauty and the Beast, remains a beloved favorite that I have revisited countless times.

What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
While I am not entirely certain, offering more opportunities for networking and collaboration with fellow filmmakers could be immensely beneficial.

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

FilmFreeway has served as an excellent platform for sharing our film with various festivals. Its user-friendly interface has made the process largely seamless. However, one area for improvement would be the filter system, specifically when searching for Dance Film festivals. Occasionally, festivals that do not specialize in Dance Films are included in the filtered results, which can be somewhat misleading.

What is your favorite meal?

Shabbat dinner, which we celebrate every Friday night, holds a special place in my heart. It symbolizes the end of the week and provides a meaningful opportunity to connect with my chosen family as we come together to prepare and enjoy the meal.

What is next for you? A new film?

As theater is my primary focus, I am currently preparing to direct a production of my original play, "Afterglow", opening in Chicago this June. Nevertheless, my passion for creating dance films has grown, and I eagerly anticipate working on more such projects in the near future.