Shapes of Aether
"Shapes of Aether" is a dance film that explores the concept of aether through movement language. Aether, also known as the fifth element, is a concept that has been interpreted to be a divine and transformative force that surrounds us. The film presents an ethereal, unseen force that permeates our surroundings and can be captured through the fluid movements of the human form.
The primeval landscape, a testament to the power of the four elements, earth, air, fire, and water. Through the dancer’s body, the different elements communicate, embodying a connection between the human body and nature. The film also delves into the idea that consciousness can form physical shapes and how this connection to aether can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself, with the power to facilitate a personal transformation. The dancer becomes a conduit for the elements, allowing their energy to flow through and be expressed in the art of cinematography.
The film features the movements of the body, words, sounds, and human understanding combined to create an immersive experience, inviting the audience to connect with the primal forces of nature and reflect the pulse of the earth beneath their feet.
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Elias Benedikt Choi-ButtingerDirector
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Weng Teng Choi-ButtingerKey Cast"Dancer"
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Elias Benedikt Choi-ButtingerProducer
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Weng Teng Choi-ButtingerProducer
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Weng Teng Choi-ButtingerWriter
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Project Type:Experimental, Short, Web / New Media
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Genres:Experimental, dance film, dance shorts, experimental dance film
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Runtime:6 minutes 38 seconds
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Completion Date:January 5, 2023
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Production Budget:3,000 EUR
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Country of Origin:Austria
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Country of Filming:Iceland
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:24mm
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Aspect Ratio:2.39:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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First-Time Filmmaker Sessions - hosted by Lift-Off Global NetworkPinewood Studios
United Kingdom
February 20, 2023
UK
Official Selection -
kalakari film festDEWAS
India
March 18, 2023
India
Official Selection -
Cult Critic Movie AwardsKolkata
India
April 11, 2023
Honorable Mention -
TIAF - Tashkent International Animation ForumTashkent
Uzbekistan
May 5, 2023
Uzbekistan
Official Selection -
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
April 17, 2023
Turkey
Award Winner -
Golden Lion International Film Festival (GLIFF)Kolkata
India
April 17, 2023
Award Winner -
Cuckoo International Film AwardsChennai
India
April 30, 2023
Award Winner -
Golden Fern Film AwardsDarjeeling
India
April 28, 2023
Award Winner -
Golden Short Film FestivalAvezzano
Italy
April 27, 2023
Italy
Official Selection -
Denver Monthly Film AwardsDenver
United States
May 2, 2023
USA
Finalist -
DanzaTTack, Festival Internacional de CineDanzaTacoronte
Spain
May 12, 2023
Spain
Award Winner -
Beyond the Curve International Film FestivalParis
France
June 2, 2023
France
Award Winner -
La danza in 1 minuto International Screendance ContestBologna
Italy
July 7, 2023
Official Selection -
Marina del Rey Film Festival®Los Angeles
United States
June 8, 2023
Official Selection -
DANCINEMAVANCOUVER
Canada
July 4, 2023
Canada
Official Selection -
Indie Shorts Mag Short Film FestivalOnline
July 13, 2023
Online
Semi Finalist -
DANCE CAMERA ISTANBUL-Impro Dance Fest EditionIstanbul
Turkey
September 22, 2023
Official Selection -
ZERO PLUS International Film FestivalTyumen
Russian Federation
October 1, 2023
Sussia
Official Selection -
International ScreenDance FestivalIowa
United States
August 26, 2023
Official Selection -
Cuadro por Danza Festival - dance film & dance photographyCaracas
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
September 9, 2023
Venezuela
Official Selection -
Austrian FilmfestivalVienna
Austria
October 12, 2023
Official Selection -
ZEBRA Poetry Film FestivalBerlin
Germany
October 12, 2023
Germany
Official Selection -
Ketchikan Dance Film FestivalKetchikan
United States
September 30, 2023
Alaska
Official Selection -
Linz International Short Film FestivalLinz
Austria
October 11, 2023
Austria
Official Selection -
Moving Images videodance festivalEgkomi
Cyprus
November 19, 2023
Cyprus
Official Selection -
Thessaloniki Cinedance InternationalThessaloniki
Greece
September 20, 2023
Official Selection -
Exeter Dance International Film FestivalExeter
United Kingdom
October 14, 2023
Official Selection -
Athens International Monthly Art Film FestivalAthens
Greece
January 19, 2024
Award Winner
Elias Choi-Buttinger, also known as Bboy Melisha, is a freelance dancer and choreographer with 20 years of experience in the industry. He first gained recognition for his dance video in the early 2010s, and since then has gone on to achieve success as a choreographer. In 2016, his film Beyond the Broken Hoop was awarded "Best Dance Film" at the Austrian Independent Film Festival, and he also received the award Dance of the dance from the Taipei Fringe Festival in 2016. In addition to his work in Austria, Elias has exchanged and performed in cities around the world including New York, Yokohama, Taipei, Prague, Kolkata, Warsaw, and Macau.
Art is not what we learn in school!