Metamorphosis is the transformation of things, people and phenomena into something else. It involves a growth in a new passage or shape. Simultaneously, the old entity continuously exists within the new form. In other words, through the lens of metamorphosis, we embrace change whilst acknowledging the things that stay the same within the ever-changing world. During this programme, we will watch three short films that showcase metamorphosis in their own way. Some begin with birth and end where it all started. Some play with the agony of coming of age. Some slitter into a sexual revolution. Come join us, sit back and relax, and watch these stories unfold, whilst remembering your burning questions for the Q&A afterward.
Parental advisory: this programme contains explicit sexual content.
This is a non-recorded event.
The first film: Laaggedij (16 min)
What does the unknown look like? Xousha Eisenhardt finds herself captivated by the enigmatic allure of the unknown, leading her to explore the origin and creation stories across diverse cultures. In her film, ‘Laaggedij’, she intertwines her own interpretations of these tales with intimate personal memories, giving rise to a compelling narrative of creation.
The fusion of humans and their surroundings takes on various forms in ‘Laaggedij’. Through the costumes Eisenhardt designed she situated her character just beyond the boundaries of ordinary reality. As the film unfolds, the protagonist goes through different life stages, which Eisenhardt accentuates through the environment. From these different life phases, Eisenhardt also emphasises the cyclic nature of life on Earth itself. She invites viewers to ponder the mysteries of the unknown and contemplate the interconnectedness of our existence. ‘Laaggedij’ symbolises that every ending harbors the potential for a new and transformative beginning, inviting us to embrace the perpetual cycle of creation and renewal. Text: Hagar Schuringa
Xousha Eisenhardt (she/her) just graduated from Fine Arts at Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht. She is a multimedia artist and filmmaker.
The second film: The Anti-Family (12 min, English subs)
As per usual, emo kid Frankie Stein gets chased by their peers who relentlessly bully Frankie for being different. This time something unusual happens: Frankie stumbles upon an abandoned Gothic estate and decides to take refuge there. But what appears to be a haunted castle turns out to be inhabited by a peculiar group of beautiful, monstrous outcasts: the anti-family. Outside rules and standards don’t seem to apply here, and Frankie, both curious and suspicious, allows themselves to be drawn into the scary, wonderful world of the anti-family. Are they even weirder than Frankie? Or just as much?
Melody Boorsma (she/her) is a 3rd-year student at Audiovisual Media at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht. She is currently enrolled in a minor in philosophy. She is part of the Freaky Film Collective and worked as acting director on set. She also edited the movie together with An Smid.
Rayan Naftchi (he/she/they) is a student of Fine Arts in Utrecht at theHogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht. Their work is largely about being queer and trans. They work with performance, printing techniques, creative technology and film. In the Anti-Family they portray the role of Frankie.
The third film: Pleasure Eels (32 min)
A fantastical tale of physical intimacies between aquatic creatures. A film following the experiences of one eel. A fishnet of queerness, desire and belonging.
Noa Margulis (they/them) is a flaming anarchist, an experimental filmmaker, a writer of heartfelt poetry, a noisy musician, a kinky performer and a chaotic lover. They’re into community organising and magical objects.
