14-24 nov 2024
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When the Body Says Yes

When the Body Says Yes

melanie bonajo
Netherlands, Germany
2024
44 min
World Premiere
Paradocs
Synopsis

Dutch artist melanie bonajo does ongoing research into the current state of intimacy in a world where capitalism has penetrated deep into the personal sphere and where everything can be commodified.

The idea that touch can be a powerful remedy for the modern epidemic of loneliness, is the starting point for When the Body Says Yes. The film, which was part of an immersive installation for the Venice Biennale 2022, brings together a diverse group of people in a space that most resembles a warm, soft womb. Touch is the lingua franca here, and through direct or indirect skin contact, collective experiences such as pleasure, intimacy, closeness, boundaries and consent are explored. Some of the people we also see individually in dreamlike scenes in nature.

Meanwhile, participants tell in voice-over about their relationship with touch, sex and their bodies, evaluating how upbringing, family culture and society leave their imprint. Their frankness is contagious and is bound to lead our minds to the meaning of touch and intimacy in relation to our own bodies.

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Credits
44 min
color
DCP
Spoken languages: English
Director
    Melanie Bonajo
    Melanie Bonajo
Production
    Soraya Pol,
    Orlando Maaike Gouwenberg,
    Geir Haraldseth
    Soraya Pol,
    Orlando Maaike Gouwenberg,
    Geir Haraldseth
Cinematography
    Melanie Bonajo,
    Georgina Pretto,
    Diara Sow
    Melanie Bonajo,
    Georgina Pretto,
    Diara Sow
Editing
    Kolbeinn Hugi,
    Willem Aerts
    Kolbeinn Hugi,
    Willem Aerts
Sound
    Donata Schmidt Werthern,
    Anatole-Maël Powilleit,
    Melanie Bonajo
    Donata Schmidt Werthern,
    Anatole-Maël Powilleit,
    Melanie Bonajo
Sound Design
    Tommie Bonajo,
    Kolbeinn Hugi
    Tommie Bonajo,
    Kolbeinn Hugi
Music
    Unnur Andrea Einarsdóttir,
    Kolbeinn Hugi,
    Tommie Bonajo,
    Joseph Marzolla,
    Michael Beharie
    Unnur Andrea Einarsdóttir,
    Kolbeinn Hugi,
    Tommie Bonajo,
    Joseph Marzolla,
    Michael Beharie
Screenplay
    Melanie Bonajo
    Melanie Bonajo
Screening copy
    Melanie Bonajo
    Melanie Bonajo

Stills

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