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ELEGY

Against the stunning backdrop of the Taos Mesa, this poignant film explores the convergence of movement, nature, and philosophy, prompting viewers to reflect on life's fundamental questions.

  • Kitty McNamee
    Director
    The Yellow Room, Burden Halved, The Farewell
  • hysterica productions
    Producer
  • Kitty McNamee
    Producer
  • Julie Schmid
    Producer
  • Zak Ryan Schlegel
    Key Cast
  • Aika Doone
    Key Cast
  • Lex Ishimoto
    Key Cast
  • Zak Ryan Schlegel
    Choreographer
  • Alan Salazar
    Director of Photography/Camera Operator
  • Kitty McNamee
    Additional Camera Operator
  • Justin Daashuur Hopkins
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Dance, Documentary, Nature, Art
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 13, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    6,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    SONY A7111, Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kitty McNamee

Kitty McNamee is an artist, a creator and most importantly a collaborator.


Her early years in LA were spent honing her craft as Artistic Director of Hysterica Dance Co., a consistently prolific and creative collective that redefined dance in Los Angeles. Her unique approach was declared by Dance Magazine to possess “an outsize talent for that most elusive gift, originality.” Kitty’s dance films have screened at over 50 festivals worldwide. She currently has several dance centric documentary projects in development.

Coming to dance late, Kitty’s deep appreciation and hunger for engagement has kept her creative practice at the forefront of her life ever since. She is deeply committed to the LA dance community, serving as mentor and advocate for the next generation of dancers and choreographers.

In addition to generating her own projects, Kitty's work spans TV, film and live productions. She has a long and fruitful relationship with the LA Philharmonic and the LA Opera and moves effortlessly between her work for the stage and campaigns for Target, Adobe MAX, ZImmerman, Mercedes Benz, Grey Ant and Uniglo.

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Director Statement

My passion for the mysteries of the human heart, psychology and authenticity fuel my work. Zak's nearly spiritual attentiveness to every aspect of his life - the creative, the personal and communal - sparked a deep curiosity in me. I've watched him grow from an eager young pup of a dancer to a generator, a center point of our community. It's rare to witness someone who has the fortitude and legitimate skill to give birth to a new movement in dance (Graham, Fosse, Tharp), as he is entering his Saturn return, or as he calls it his Jesus year, I believe Zak is that one.

I followed Zak into the beauty of the Taos mesa.
I watched him flee LA, returning to his roots in New Mexico - embracing his Mestizo identity.
Through movement (inspired by a Rilke Elegy), nature and a connection to his ancestors Zak seeks to define his own spiritual and choreographic practice. I can't stop seeking along side him.