Atelier
Overview
A middle-aged mother stuck in domestic toil is confronted with a choice when a mysterious door presents itself to her.
DOCUMENTARY
2026
Approach
The script for this project started with a nihilistic idea: women will never escape the systems around them unless magic is involved. It is a cerebral, magical realist film that intentionally does not give a strong reason for the woman to want to leave. There needn't be one.
treatment
Sound design acted as the only clue about what lies behind the door, while the camera movement is motivated by the pull between the door and the character. The limited use of Close-ups was chosen to create a storybook visual look.
ON WRIITNG
There was an intentional lack of dialogue as the character lived through repetitive cycles of housework.
The arrival of The Door also does not come in the way of the cycle; instead, it becomes a part of it. The audience experiences time just like the character does.
DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION
Treatment notes, storyboards, mock shoots and unending refinement of the script were undertaken over two months.
Along with creative work, I also undertook casting, location scouting and permissions, and scheduling tasks.
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