AWAKENING, 4min,. Taiwan
Directed by Sze-Ting Huang
The body serves as a vessel that stores self-awareness.

This film initially develops through the sense of touch, picking up traces of various emotions left along the journey. It constantly moves, pauses, and intersects, driven by the power generated through shifting of balance, prompting a dialogue between the body and memory, re-experiencing the mutual influence of "internal" and "external," thus reflecting on one's own state of floating unease.

https://www.huangszeting.com/2023awakening
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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This film was completed during a Dance Film workshop. As a filmmaker, I warm up with the dancers every day, something I had never tried before. It was the first time I had such a solid feeling of my own physical condition. During this process, I followed the dancers in a movement of shifting weight, using the momentum generated by swinging and transferring weight to create a cycle of "initiating-holding-falling-rising" movements. This movement may be a basic exercise for the dancers, but I felt that it resonated with my inner state at that time. Therefore, I decided to develop the entire film based on this movement, connecting external actions with internal emotions, hoping to confront my own contradictions and fears.

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

The first version took about three days to complete.

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

Balance. Fear.

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

The production time for this film was limited to just three days, necessitating precise communication with both the dancers and the cinematographers to ensure that everyone's core vision was harmoniously aligned.

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

Receiving feedback from the audience was a pleasant addition. It's touching my hearts!

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

During my university years, I was introduced to experimental cinema, and the experience of creating work with friends was incredibly fulfilling. Since then, I have been inspired to pursue filmmaking.

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

The films I have watched most frequently throughout my life are a diverse array of documentaries and dance films.

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

Everything is perfect, thank you :)

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

My experience with submitting films on FilmFreeway has been very good.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Potato chip.

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

I am currently in the process of preparing a new film, a dance film exploring childhood and body memory. I look forward to submitting this work to your festival once it is completed :)