Surfacing, with its mesmerizing score by Tim Rideout, is a winner. - Katherine Greenaway, Montreal Gazette
The Film
The eleven minute piece draws inspiration from Margaret Atwood’s poem: This is a Photograph of Me. The work explores our awareness and acceptance of human mortality. As a transformation of dance for the camera, Surfacing uses cinematic choices such as a constantly panning camera, varied angles, extreme close ups and juxtaposed images to enhance the choreography, alluring audiences into the world of the piece.
The Dance
In choreographing for the film, movement was literally defined by the environment. Using a base of existing choreography, the dancers explored moving on uneven rocks, in a deep, cold river and on coarse grass exposed to a burning sun. In each setting, new restrictions inspired new possibilities for movement and film. The level of risk in the dance and partnering was heightened by the sites, building an interaction and dependency on the land reflective of the dancers’ own relationship.
The Music
Surfacing is a work that challenges while remaining accessible to a wider audience. The film melds several artistic disciplines including music, with an original score by Tim Rideout.
The music draws its inspiration not only from the choreography but from the camera’s motion and the natural surroundings of the location. Rideout incorporates natural sounds into this fluid orchestral suite and the sonic depth only further enhances the stunning and intimate visuals. Beautiful arrangements and haunting, mesmerizing rhythms transport the listener into director Desh Fernando’s rich and expressive world.
World premiere:
APRIL 4, 2008 National Film Board of Canada in Montreal 8:00 pm: Private Screening followed by cocktails
Surfacing will have its festival premiere at the Vue sur la relève festival on April 16th 2008 at 8:00pm at the Maison de la Culture Frontenac.
producers : Nacando Productions
director Desh Fernando
choreographer Teoma Naccarato
Original Music: Tim Rideout
Dancers: Kaitlin Clipsham & Teoma Naccarato
Director of Photography: Dan Poppa
Rehearsal director: Geneviève Demers
Production Manager: Raphael Ettore
