A Dream of Touch When Touch Is Gone | 2020 Short Film
ABOUT THE FILM
In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic - this film takes a brief and abstracted glimpse at the emotional grief and aspirations of a group of humans as a result of a new world where touch seems gone.
Synopsis
Not so long ago, touch was easy and safe—then everything changed. We come from the most intimate possible space, the womb, into a caregiver’s arms. A human embrace is possibly the most symbolic image of love, care, and hope for the future. The COVID-19 winter has brought death and another casualty—the loss of touch. When we lose this form of connection, do we lose compassion and even our own humanity? Touch is essential. We need it to be human. Let's dream of touching again.
Our company went through a rigorous process to make this project happen safely. We implemented COVID protocols from the guidance of MD Jon Hallberg with critical testing support from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Medical School so that we could, with a reasonably high level of certainty, decide to utilize physical contact and remove our masks for the shoot. Following the shoot, all movers reported no symptoms well past the incubation period!
Original Release
Length: 6.5 minutes
Premiered at
TEDxMinneapolis’ ADAPTION, 2020
Director’s Cut
Length: 8 minutes
Submitted to numerous film festivals
*AWARD WINNER at L’Age d’Or International Arthouse Film Festival
Credits
Choreographer & Director
Carl Flink
Executive Producer
Crystal Edwards
Director of Photography
Ryan Stoepera
Editors
Ryan Stoepera
JT Weaver
Composer
Greg Brosofske
Movers
Hannah Albers, Alexandra Bodnarchuk, Patrick Jeffrey, Ryan-Olivia Lundy, Sarah McCullough, Rachel Miller, Ashley Pyle, Paula Vasquez Alzate, Elli Vesely, Joey Weaver, Cheng Xiong
COVID Advisor
Dr. Jon Hallberg
(University of Minnesota Medical School)
Narrative Consultant
Ariane Laxo
Concept
Carl Flink
On-Set Photographer
Ben Ragsdale
Set
The Holden Room (Lauren Peterson)