What does it mean to "ground" oneself?

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A pressure looms to appear stable, to know for certain who you are, to prove to others that you are "grounded." But can one really put on that face?

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Through layering analogue rotoscoping, or Dig-Tac, over 16mm film, director Despina Rizopoulos returns to physical filmmaking and art-making techniques to bring her body closer to her work. In tandem with starring in the film, these experimental practices attempt to show a personal journey of rooting oneself in a liminal space.

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The score, composed by Penina Biddle Gottesman, uses recorded contact mic feedback and incidental cable noises, as well as extended techniques on a 6-chord zither. The goal of this sound is to create a sonic piece that travels in tandem with the film’s narrative without using “real-life” sounds like field recordings to mimic the visual environment where it’s set. Penina wanted to accompany the film and simultaneously transport it into a dream space, emphasizing the nonsensical subconscious journey the film follows.

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Directed, animated, and edited by Despina Rizopoulos

Shot by Imogen Pranger

Score by Penina Biddle- Gottesman 

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