kNOwBOX dance Film Festival 2024
Official Selection Film Spotlight
If I Were You
If I Were You / Korea Premier / USA / 8:43
In "If I Were You" a couple shares an oscillating dance of intention and disruption--their movements a continuous exchange of support and potential peril, pushing them toward self-discovery. Falling into known patterns, but desperate to shift, they beckon and reject each other, careening toward togetherness. This is a slow, exhausting, mesmerizing dance, steeped in the unknown, where souls wait patiently to be held, released, and resolved.
Our theme this year is "REFLECTIONS: a poetic exploration of human emotion, self-discovery, and cinematic nostalgia." How do you think your film relates to this theme?
In If I Were You moments of well-intended support evolve into disruption and destruction, echoing the nuances of navigating boundaries within a relationship. The dance unfolds with a palpable sense of falling into known patterns, coupled with a yearning to break free from the cycle. As the characters teeter on the edge, the question arises: are they on the brink of self-discovery and peace? Or is this a dance of peril and disruption?
What do you hope to communicate with our audience through your work?
I simply hope for the audience to feel.
Originally from Houston, TX, Margot Gelber began her training as a competitive gymnast. She then attended the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, where she began her choreographic pursuits. She went on to further her dance training and choreographic endeavors at The Boston Conservatory under the direction of Yasuko Tokunaga and Cathy Young. Upon graduating from the Conservatory, she joined Ate9 Dance Company in Los Angeles, California.
Directed and Choreography by: Margot Gelber
Co-director/Dramaturge: Rebecah Goldstone Director of Photography: David Markun
Dancers : Marlie Couto and Jessie Lee Thorne Editor: Anna Tse
1st AC: Javier Juanillo
Colorist: Loren White
Original Score by: Sami Freeman
Collaborating composer and Cello by: Mia Pixley
Festival Screening and Awards
San Souci Festival of Dance Cinema, Berlin Indie Film Festival, Swedish International Film Festival, Dance Days Chania
Connect
IG: @gelber_Idontevenknowher @marliecouto @jessieleethorne @samifreemanmusic @miapixley @donmagicjuan @reb_gold @tsecheese @javieralexj13
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