Film Structure
The film is arranged into three chapters:
Chapter 1: Impromptu Dance in Dessau
- The film opens with Leonor performing an impromptu dance routine in the ballet hall at the Anhaltisches Theater.
- The dance is set to an experimental soundtrack, highlighting her fluid movements and emotional expression.
- This chapter captures the essence of her connection to the theatre and her love for dance.
Chapter 2: Train Journey and Interview
- Leonor boards a train from Dessau to Berlin, symbolizing her transition and new beginnings.
- During the journey, the film includes a short interview segment where Leonor reflects on her career, her passion for dance, and her thoughts on moving to a new city.
- The train scenes are interspersed with shots of the passing landscape, emphasizing the theme of change and movement.
Chapter 3: Exploring Berlin with a Camera
- The final chapter shows Leonor on the day she finds a WG (shared apartment) in Berlin.
- She roams around the city with a couple of 35mm analogue cameras and B&W film, capturing the essence of her new surroundings.
- The film juxtaposes her photographs with footage of her exploration, creating a visual narrative that blends her perspective as an artist with the dynamic environment of Berlin.
- This chapter highlights her passion for analogue photography and her process of discovering and connecting with her new home.
Filming Techniques
Cinematography:
- The entire film was shot using an iPhone, which provided ease and flexibility. The iPhone’s portability allowed for spontaneous and intimate filming, capturing genuine moments without the intrusion of large equipment.
- The dance sequences are shot with a fluid, handheld camera to mirror Leonor’s movements.
- The train journey is captured with steady, contemplative shots that reflect the reflective nature of travel.
- Urban exploration scenes use a mix of close-ups and wide shots to showcase both the details and the vastness of Berlin.
Sound Design and Music:
- Part 1: An experimental track, „Shrubland Dusk,“ by Valverde, was used. This Bossa nova and experimental jazz piece mirrored the impromptu energy of Leonor's dance sequence.
- Part 2: For the train journey, a hip-hop track, „Treat Me This Way,“ by Otis McDonald, was selected. Its upbeat tempo matched the walking, bicycle ride, and train rides.
- Part 3: The concluding segment, featuring Leonor’s exploration of Berlin and her 35mm photos, used an indie folk song called „Hiding Tonight“ by Alex Turner, capturing the slow, intimate nature of this part of the film.
Film Equipment:
- For the analogue photography segments, a Praktica MTL3 and another film camera were used.
- KENTMERE PAN 400 film was chosen for its ability to capture detailed, high-contrast black-and-white images.
- A Lapel Microphone for iPhone was used for the interviews to ensure clear and (almost) high-quality audio.
Editing:
- The film uses seamless transitions between chapters to maintain a cohesive narrative.
- The juxtaposition of Leonor’s photographs with live footage of her roaming the city adds more depth (and takes you closer to the subject) in the visual narrative.
Color Space: Apple ProRes Log
LUT: Gamut BaseLUTs Apple Log (Primary)
Selection of Analogue Pictures
The film includes a segment featuring a selection of Leonor’s analogue photographs. Some of these pictures are part of the main film, while others are shown only in this section. This gallery captures her experience exploring Berlin. The photographs offer a deeper look into our collective artistic vision and the city she is discovering. The photo-taking process was collaborative, with suggestions and input on what to capture, adding a layer of shared subjectivity to the project.
