need

The need for intimacy is universal, but everyone experiences this need, this longing, the vulnerability, fulfillment or absence in their own personal way. My debut film need portrays a timeless image of intimacy in different forms, and at the same time it might touch upon memories of a time we’ve experienced not so long ago; a time of social isolation. The viewers might recognize themselves in certain scenes, but they might also be introduced to new perspectives on intimacy and eroticism.

With the creation of need we established a safe, intimate bubble of freedom with the performers and team. All intimacy that is shown in the film is honest, including little flaws, moments of awkwardness and the lingering. The form, progression and aesthetics of the film were pre-defined, but the actions and expression arose in the collective creative process. I worked with a diverse cast & crew of my own generation, in order to create a realistic and honest film and also to increase the representation in the erotic media landscape.

When we see nudity depicted on our screens, it is often in relationship to sex, being sexualized, objectified. Some people might think it’s taboo. For me, nudity is an artistic statement. Nudity is freedom. It is intimacy in the purest form.

In the style that I have developed as a professional photographer, I portray intimacy in an aesthetically pleasing way. In my work people can see the art in nudity, the beauty in the universal, the intimacy in the personal. Therefore, the film could appeal to a wide audience. I hope to present my work in film festivals to a professional audience, but also invite people from all kinds of backgrounds to reflect and engage in conversations about intimacy and sexuality.

In modern times we are constantly exposed to "perfect" bodies and an unrealistic view of sexuality. People in my and later generations are increasingly prudish and are experiencing high pressure from these ideal images. Generally, our view on sexuality and intimacy comes from websites with explicit categories, stereotypical characters and simple storylines, and from the mainstream media that portrays a romanticized and non-inclusive image. need can be positioned in between these two genres and offers a new perspective for both.

The cast and crew are part of the project because of a shared ‘need’ for this film. With support from sponsors and the Droom en Daad Foundation we have been able to cover the production costs and pay the performers fairly according to their part in the film. We have been open to their input and all learned a lot from each other during the process about working safely and inclusively. From our side we invested a lot of energy in choosing the right cast, preparing the scenes together, starting off the day collectively and offering support.

In the post production process, we collaborated intensively with composers Aengus Havinga and Charlotte Dommershausen to make careful choices about the compositions and sound design. We have sought a balance between guiding the narrative and challenging the viewer. The music helps to experience the tension and energy of the film; the sound design draws you into the perception of the characters. Still, both leave room for interpretation. Your senses are invited to connect to the interactions on screen, as well as with your own physical viewing experience. In this way, need is an intimate, sensory experience in which you can feel and reflect, desire and doubt, share and enjoy.