Fight The Fear
In this narrative dance and spoken word short, a Dreamer confronts her fears of deportation. Set in a cemented river bed in Southern California, clusters of dancers push, drag, and carry each other in a dance of survival, while powerful spoken word and ethereal vocals call out the fears and hopes of those facing exclusionary migration laws. Created through collaboration and storytelling, this piece highlights the real struggles of the lead performers, while also celebrating their strength, and resilience. Working with Latinx stories and contemporary South Asian music and movement recognizes the intersections of the global South and the continuing challenges of migration, borders and belonging.
-
Shyamala MoortyDirector
-
Jazmin AlejosKey Cast
-
Teresa Flores SeguraKey Cast
-
Gregory R.R. CrosbyCinamatography and editing
-
Neelamjit DhillonComposer
-
Project Type:Experimental, Short, Other
-
Genres:dance, spoken word
-
Runtime:5 minutes 49 seconds
-
Completion Date:October 5, 2021
-
Production Budget:0 USD
-
Country of Origin:United States
-
Country of Filming:United States
-
Language:English, Spanish
-
Shooting Format:Digital
-
Aspect Ratio:16.9
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:Yes
-
Student Project:No
-
Nava Gati Contemporary Indian Dance FestivalStokholm
Sweden
October 1, 2022
World Premiere -
Marina Del Rey Film FestivalMarina Del Rey
United States
June 18, 2022
North America Premiere
Best Short - Experimental - Dance -
CA Women's Film FestivalSherman Oaks
United States
July 16, 2022 -
Silicon Beach Film FestivalHollywood
United States
September 10, 2022 -
Experimental Dance & Music FestivalToronto
Canada
November 13, 2022
Canada
Best Narrative Dance Film -
Indian International Film FestivalKolkata
India
March 15, 2023
India
2nd Cinematography, 3rd Best Lead Actor, Critics Choice Best Lockdown Short Film -
American Dance Festival's Movies by MoversDurham
United States
June 17, 2023 -
Awareness FestivalLos Angeles
United States
October 6, 2023
Merit of Awareness Award -
Sans Souci Festival of Dance CinemaBoulder
United States
November 6, 2023
Colorado -
WRPN Women's International Film FestivalRehoboth
United States
May 17, 2024
Delaware
Excellence in Directing Award, Excellence in Cinematography Award -
FilmHausBerlin
Germany
October 27, 2023
Semi-Finalist Best Cinematography -
WSXA Barcelona International AwardsBarcelona
Spain
March 14, 2024
Honorable Mention, First-Time Filmmaker -
Free Speech Film FestivalPhiladelphia
United States
August 4, 2024
Semi-Finalist
Shyamala Moorty is a director, choreographer, and facilitator who values collaboration, connection and transformation through the arts. Her interdisciplinary work draws on dance, theater, multimedia, yoga and community engagement. She is a founding member of the Post Natyam Collective, a transnational, web-based coalition of dance artists; and the Dancing Storytellers, whose innovative performances are ideal for youth. Shyamala’s performance work has toured in Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, the U.K. and the U.S. Her specialty is in directing and choreographing devised ensemble work and nurturing the visions of multidisciplinary solo artists. www.shyamalamoorty.net
A cross between a documentary and an experimental film, the process of making this film was all about sharing, listening, finding connections, and exploring the interdisciplinary tools of the body and voice. The dancers bravely bared their souls and challenged themselves beyond their comfort zones. Originally created for the stage, we adapted it quite a bit when the stage production was closed down due to the pandemic. I was blessed in this first time directing a film to work with an incredible cinematographer, Gregory R.R. Crosby, who elevated my vision.