A creative short exploring transformation
Chrysalis is an experimental, creative short in which we witness a woman’s metamorphosis in under two minutes. Directed by Hungarian-Australian female director Grace Julia, the film was shot in Sydney, Australia, with female cinematographer Joanna Cameron and stars Ebony Nave. It features dresses by designer Joteo, jewellery by Fairina Cheng, and VFX by Caleb De Leon.
Chrysalis (noun):
a quiescent insect pupa, especially of a butterfly or moth.
"the transformation from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and, finally, adult"the hard outer case enclosing a chrysalis.
"the splitting of the chrysalis and the slow unfolding of the wings"a transitional state.
"she emerged from the chrysalis of self-conscious adolescence"
BACK TO MY ROOTS
When I was young, my grandmother would sing a Hungarian song, ‘lepke pillangó,’ which told the story of a butterfly landing on one’s hand for a fleeting moment, only to fly away again. It stuck with me, and at times I think its themes of freedom and hope saved me in moments of great darkness. As a survivor of domestic violence, it wasn’t long until I found myself trapped in a new relationship, where I was subject to narcissistic abuse. This film, in all its visual beauty, echoes what I felt after bravely making my escape.
THE NARRATIVE
Following a breakup, our lead experiences her own unique stages of grief: idealisation, seeing clearly, becoming, reclaiming, and finally, absolution. We begin with recollections of her ex-lover at a beach. Then, in the safety of a studio, we capture her surreal transformation from heartbroken to in-her-villain-era. Metaphorically, she splits her cocoon and unfolds her wings. The climax sees her revisit the beach again, where she unleashes her fury. She is transformed into a woman who will never again forget her worth.
Actors Tom Wilson and Ebony Nave on set in Sydney, Australia
PROCESSING TRAUMA THROUGH FILMMAKING
As one of many Australian women who have experienced abuse, I’ve often felt that the resulting PTSD led to missed career opportunities. But rather than waiting for the work to come to me, I took it upon myself to invest in myself and and make something that not only showcases my capabilities as a commercial director, but told a story of female empowerment, remaining true to the very reasons I became a filmmaker in the first place.
P.S. To the ex who told me he wanted to break my camera… look at me now.
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