Private Project

Whispers of an Urban Forest

Filmed amidst the majestic conifers and exposed beams of the Winkenwerder Forest Laboratory at the University of Washington, the work imagines a means of human interconnectivity modeled on the underground communication networks of tree roots. Given current global levels of deforestation, it may be difficult to recognize the integration of natural woods with human-made steel and glass in the architectural structure of the 1963 building for what it symbolized at the time—the conjoining of urban development and sustainable forestry. Inspired by the juxtaposition of natural and urban elements, dancers reflect the anxiety of their contemporary lives at the same time they heed an urgent call to listen to and be moved by the trees and the deep wisdom they have to offer.

  • Juliet McMains
    Director
  • Juliet McMains
    Writer
  • Juliet McMains
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 21, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Juliet McMains

Juliet McMains is a Professor in the Department of Dance at the University of Washington, where she writes, researches, teaches, and makes art about social dance practices and their theatrical expression. Her recent forays into digital choreography attempt to translate the intimacy and playfulness of improvisational social partner dancing to screen dances that speak to the beautiful messiness of discovering self in relationship to another.

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