If I Sound Happy, That's Your Mistake

A woman feeling a growing disconnect from the world attempts to reach out with renewed vulnerability, but the rejection, comparison and confusion that ensue end up causing a greater sense of loneliness.

A film based on the performance of the same name from, Matilda Sakamoto, this is the first collaboration between acclaimed director Derrick Belcham and the emerging choreographer.

  • Derrick Belcham
    Director
    At Noon Fell A Darkness, Otis Walks Into The Woods
  • Matilda Sakamoto
    Director
    Wet: Old Bones, Ode @ Julliard, Cat Diary @ Dixon Place
  • Matilda Sakamoto
    Writer
  • A Story Told Well
    Producer
    At Noon Fell A Darkness, Otis Walks Into The Woods
  • Matilda Sakamoto
    Key Cast
    Transmissions @ The Whitney Museum, Red Hot Chili Peppers: Go Robot
  • Justin Mark
    Key Cast
  • Shane Jensen
    Key Cast
  • Erica Lutz
    Key Cast
  • Matilda Sakamoto
    Choreographer
    Wet: Old Bones, Ode @ Julliard, Cat Diary @ Dixon Place
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Derrick Belcham, Matilda Sakamoto

Derrick Belcham is a Canadian filmmaker based out of Brooklyn, NY whose internationally-recognized work in documentary and music video has lead him to work with such artists as Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Laurie Anderson, Paul Simon and hundreds of others in music, dance, theater and architecture.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Matilda Sakamoto is a New York and Los Angeles based choreographer, dancer and artist. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she received her B.F.A from the Juilliard School. Professionally she has danced for artists including Nicole Von Arx, Esmé Boyce, Ashley Robicheaux and Hivewild. Matilda was in an installation at the Whitney Museum for artist Nick Mauss and will make her acting debut at the Public Theater for Richard Nelson's newest play The Michael's in NY fall 2019. Choreographically she has shown work in the U.S. and abroad. Matilda choreographed a dance opera in Ostrava, Czech Republic for composer Petr Kotik at the NODO Festival, which re-premiered in New York at Paula Cooper Gallery. She has had pieces premiered and shown at Judson Church, Dixon Place, Triskelion Arts and more. She was chosen to choreograph fo the Juilliard School's Dance Summer program and recently showed work at the Ace Hotel as part of the Create:Art Series. Spending a lot of time between the two coasts, Matilda is actively looking to establish herself in and bring her work back to her hometown of LA