Private Project

Pas de Deux

Pas De Deux is an experimental film influenced by poetry that metaphorizes ballet to depict a toxic relationship between our main character, Jane, and her romantic partner, simply known as The Man. Jane loves ballet and The Man. They both challenge her to great extents. However, through her partner’s manipulation, she struggles to distinguish challenges from abuse within her relationship. She sits with this discomfort and slowly transforms into a puppet alone in an attic.

  • Madison Lee Koren
    Director
  • Madison Lee Koren
    Writer
  • Madison Lee Koren
    Producer
  • Angel Lee
    Key Cast
    "Jane"
  • Spencer Wilde
    Key Cast
    "The Man"
  • Riley Ater
    Director of Photography
  • Marjaan Simab
    Editors
  • Madison Koren
    Editors
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 8 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - George Mason University
Director Biography - Madison Lee Koren

Madison Koren is a senior at George Mason University majoring in Film and Video Studies with a concentration in Directing. She grew up in rural southern Virginia with limited access to technology, which fostered her creativity. She was able to find homemade entertainment through creating stories and acting them out with her friends and sisters as a child. Since then she has always dreamt of making storytelling her career. She is thrilled to be releasing her debut film, Pas de Deux, in 2025. Madison finds most of her inspiration for her films in poems she reads or writes herself. Creating stories that showcase real female experiences is what fulfills her the most as a filmmaker.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I wrote this film after reflecting on my own tendencies to stay in toxic cycles. I have witnessed women in my life do the same thing to themselves because they do not recognize their worth. Often, they tie their worth to how other people view them. They fear they won’t find anyone else or better. The lack of hope within the film is very intentional. I want to inspire reflection and for audience members to feel discomforted by the injustice of Jane’s situation. I want them to take that and seek their own justice. Thus, taking Jane under their wing and carrying her into freedom with them.