Private Project

Catwalk

In a dystopian fashion contest, an aspiring designer orchestrates a revolution after being betrayed by her best friend, a former competitor. Relying on a new ally to impress society's elite and escape together, she discovers the toxicity of success.

  • Maria Michael
    Director
  • Maria Michael
    Writer
  • Maria Michael
    Producer
  • Ola Stojak
    Key Cast
    "Helene"
  • Angharad Bowen
    Key Cast
    "Jessica"
  • Gabriel Phelan
    Key Cast
    "Jay"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    sci-fi, comedy, thriller
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 12, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Met Film School
Director Biography - Maria Michael

Maria Michael is a London-based writer/director originally from Cyprus. Maria graduated with an MA in Directing from Met Film School (Ealing Studios, London), a BA in Acting from Athens Conservatoire Drama School and a BA in Political Sciences from University of Cyprus.

A visionary video director who crafts high-impact narratives and captivating commercial content. With an interest in evoking emotions in dystopian worlds, Maria's unique storytelling style creates highly stylized and surreal imagery.

In 2020, Maria wrote and directed her debut 3min short film "Reflections." Following this, Maria wrote and directed the short film "The Pulse Within Us" in New York City, which is distributed by Amazon Prime in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. The film has earned nine official selections from film festivals worldwide, including the Topaz Film Festival in Texas, he Female Filmmakers Fuse Film Festival in Los Angeles, the Toronto International Women Film Festival, the Montreal International Film Festival, and the First Time Filmmaker Sessions. The film was selected as a Semi-Finalist at the Thess International Shorts - TiSFF, a Finalist at the Sunset Film Festival Los Angeles, and it has received an honourable mention from the Athens International Monthly Film Festival.

In 2021, Maria received the AWARD BEST NEW FILM DIRECTOR at the Athens Marathon Film Festival for her film "The Pulse Within Us".

Since January 2021, Maria has been a member of the Greek Directors Guild, which is a member of the European Federation F.E.R.A and the International Federation M.E.I.

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Director Statement

"Catwalk" is more than just a passionate project; it is my personal reflection on today’s paradoxical existence in the world of arts. The idea behind the story is inspired by the thirty-year journey of my mother, who dedicated her life to the fashion industry. Driven by this personal narrative, the film delves into the political dimensions intertwined with the individual journeys of characters, transcending individual relationships to become universally resonant.

As a storyteller with a background in Political Sciences, I adhere to the belief that the personal is inherently political. Carole Hanisch's assertion, "personal is political," guided my creative process. Catwalk" unfolds within two contrasting realms—the fashion studio, symbolizing the working class, and the runway, symbolizing the elite. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphorical commentary on the social imbalances within this dystopian fashion industry.

By unmasking the overarching control of the social system over individuals and mass audiences, my intention is to challenge the audience to reflect on the functionality or dysfunctionality of societal elites. I pose a pivotal question: Can an individual pursuing success in a dream career genuinely change the system, or is the system more powerful in shaping individuals to conform to its norms?

The characters are compelled to work relentlessly to attain success, with their personal happiness tied to the fruits of their labour, while a manipulative society alienates them by being judged and trying to be accepted. The creation of a dystopian world serves as a narrative tool, both visually and conceptually, to highlight the farcical and often brutal aspects of the fashion industry's judgmental conditions, revealing the violence inherent in this society.

"Catwalk" was filmed at Ealing Studios and the TV Studio at the University of West London, using the Arri Alexa Mini . It was completed through a collaboration with a visual effects (VFX) team at a production house in Mumbai.

The "Catwalk" team is thrilled that the film is ready to be shared with the world and is eager to compete in film festivals. I am particularly drawn to international film festivals for their reputation in showcasing innovative and diverse films that push the boundaries of storytelling. I believe "Catwalk" aligns with the prestigious festivals' missions, contributing to their legacy of promoting ground-breaking cinema.

I am available to provide any additional information or materials you may require and would welcome the opportunity to showcase the film in festivals worldwide. Thank you for considering "Catwalk." I am honoured to be part of the submission process and eagerly anticipate the possibility of sharing my work with your audience.

I dedicate this film to the audience—a creative and fearless spirit that, hopefully, nurtures the child within.

Sincerely,
Maria Michael