Proscenium

Director Statement

When I was 6 years old, my grandma showed me Harold Lloyd’s Speedy, and my lifelong fascination with storytelling through physical movement was born.
Defined as the line between the stage and audience in a theater, Proscenium is about the magical creative breakthrough that occurs when a director crosses that line between crew and performer on set. This film is about breaking invisible barriers in order to cultivate genuine connection, and the emotional release that follows. Inspired by my love of silent film, I wanted to depict somatic communication, though body language and physical connection. I also wanted to investigate what is left behind as the product of an intense creative breakthrough, both emotionally and physically, after the chaos of a film set all falls away.
As a female director determined to forge her way in a male-dominated field, it was imperative to me to articulate the powerful relationship dynamic between female creatives in leading roles. The candid communication and deep connection I developed with my actress, who plays a director determined to communicate with her lead performer, was emotionally transformative. As I reflected on my genuine feelings about the creative process, she emulated my behavior in real time, creating an astonishing feedback loop of creative energy flowing between each of us, shown most prominently in quick glances and sustained hugs, and shared breath, held and released as each delicate piece of our shared vision was put together.
Another full circle element of this process is that we shot entirely in my grandma’s house, the space in which I first grew to love film.