Experiencing Interruptions?

Fading Back In

Starring celebrated up-and-coming dancer Sam Szabo, Fading Back In is a tone poem about the moment when you chose to move forward in the face of depression.

  • Lauren Greenhall
    Director and Producer
    IFC, Nat Geo, CBS Interactive
  • Billy Schultz
    Producer
    Berlin Lacht Festival, Guggenheim, Dancify That
  • Sam Szabo
    Dancer and Choreographer
    Edinburgh Fringe, Hollywood Fringe, Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater
  • Hannah Engelson
    Director of Photography
    PBS, Vice News Tonight, New Orleans Film Festival
  • Lindsey Arturo
    Editor
    Ann Arbor Film Festival, Athen International Film & Video Festival
  • Emily Bailey
    Colorist
  • David Hrivnak
    Original Music
  • Caleb Keeler
    Lighting Department
  • John Ricardel
    Lighting Department
  • Bridget McQuillan
    Assistant Camera
  • Jaclene Sini
    Production Design
  • Emily Engelson
    Title Design
  • Maggie Talbot-Minkin
    Makeup Consultant
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    Dance, experimental, short
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 14, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    No Dialogue
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography

Lauren Greenhall is a director who is known for her character-first storytelling. She has directed TV and video for CBS interactive, National Geographic, The New Yorker, The New York Post, the Huffington Post, Amazon Originals, Inside Edition, and more. Noteworthy projects include directing the Miss Quarantine Pageant, a scripted comedy parody of traditional beauty pageants that was featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NY1, and The Stranger, "Reality Bites" a recurring segment on Nat Geo's TV special Wild After Dark, and "Diary of a Mad American Patriot", a viral series for the New York Post which totaled in 5+ million views.

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Director Statement

This short film was created as a type of prayer. In the past year depression rates tripled among adults in the United States and I was unfortunately a part of that cohort. While I knew logically that it was okay to have mental health challenges, it didn't make me feel any less guilty or shameful for not being as strong as I wanted to be.

After a particularly low bout of depression, I realized that just getting out of bed, or going on a walk, or making myself a nice meal wasn't as simple as "self care". Each was a small act reaffirming the belief that not only were things going to get better but that I could make them better. This film explores this idea using the movement and imagery of solitude and of mindful, spiritual awakening.