Estrange

Short film, January 2023

“Estrange” is an intimate and cathartic dance work that dives into the adverse topic of turbulent mother-daughter relationships. Rather than reinforcing a clear dichotomy or casting blame on the mother, it emphasizes how deeply intertwined the two souls actually are. This makes for a complicated co-existence, and a life of negotiating pain.

The two dancers are captivating as they embody the choreography with vulnerability and strength. With the non-linear narrative in 3 parts, their roles as mother and daughter have room to progress on screen individually and in relationship.

Part 1 introduces mother’s disassociated experience of pregnancy. When her physicality appears hardened and composed, it slowly unveils as facade. With her deep unprocessed pain and anger at the wheel, the tremendous task of caring for another is unacknowledged. Having a child is simply an addition to her accolades.

Part 2 is a portrait of mother daughter entanglement. It is littered with incidences of violence, breached boundaries, and misunderstandings. The movement is athletic and invasive as two bodies make the air thicker with tension.

Part 3 is a shift in energy as daughter shares her perspective. The expression is melancholic and weighed down as she grieves the mother she never had. With this comes a developing acceptance rather than complete resolution: her journey must not be halted by an expectation of change.

Set exclusively in a monochrome Berlin studio space, the surroundings represent the redundant feeling of processing trauma. It also pays homage to the dance spaces and communities in Berlin that so many escape to and heal in. Set to the music of Nicolás Jaar and presented in the clothing of UY Studio, it is an intersection of story-centred art.

Credits:

Director, Writer, Choreographer: Amanda Donato
Director of Photography: Tom Chansiraphet
Featuring: Amalie Stitz & Tamae Yoneda

Assistant Director: JP Deapera
Editor: Tom Chansiraphet
1st Assistant Camera: Tommy Khang Lieu
Lighting Director & Colourist: Tommy Khang Lieu
Hair & Makeup Artist: Rafa Delgado
Stylist: JP Deapera
Runners: Alvin Collantes & Murat Bahar

Music: Nicolás Jaar
Clothing: UY Studio
Location: Studio2 of the ITI Germany