Backstage

A story about power, passion, and the price of perfection. Two performers overcome their competitiveness and bond over a shared passion.

  • Cindy Pardo
    Director
  • Cindy Pardo
    Writer
  • Edvin Cetyrkovski
    Writer
  • Edvin Cetyrkovski
    Producer
  • Micheal McKell
    Key Cast
  • Tallulah Bond
    Key Cast
  • Ellie Rawnsley
    Key Cast
  • Matthew Thompson
    Director of Photography
  • Punya Sethi
    Editor
  • Ivo Zalewski
    Sound Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the Arts London
Director Biography - Cindy Pardo

Cindy Pardo was born in Colombia, raised in Miami, and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. Guided by a passion for cathartic storytelling and a deep curiosity about the human experience, she is committed to creating narratives that remind us of our shared humanity. Cindy earned her Master of Arts in Film from the University of the Arts London, graduating with distinction in Directing.

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Director Statement

With Backstage, I wanted to explore the subtleties we encounter within competitive spaces - the unspoken rivalries, the constant need for validation, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. At its heart, this is a story about power, passion, and the price we pay to prove it is all worth it. Set in the demanding world of dance, the film reveals how fragile alliances are forged under the weight of an authoritarian figure, where approval is currency and expectation becomes control.

What intrigued me most was capturing this tension through two women who are manipulated to dislike each other, yet in their shared struggle discover both an unruly confidence and a quiet empathy.