Lecture Notes: The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open

Overview of the Film

• Title: The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open
• Main Characters: Two Indigenous women from different backgrounds
• Setting: East Vancouver
• Plot: One woman escapes a violent partner, leading to their encounter
• Title Origin: Borrowed from an essay by Billy Ray Belcourt, a queer Cree poet and scholar

Inspiration and Creation

• Inspiration: Based on a real-life encounter the filmmaker had with a young Indigenous woman escaping domestic violence
• Objective: Honor the woman's story and the shared experience
• Filmmaking Approach:
  • Shoot the film in real-time to capture the simplicity and impact of the encounter
  • Co-direction with Kathleen to enrich and strengthen the narrative

Collaboration and Process

• Co-Directors: Maya and Kathleen
• Collaboration:
  • Worked together on every aspect
  • Emphasized the importance of collaboration between women
  • Process described as organic and experimental

Casting

• Rosy’s Role: Found through an open casting call
• Criteria: Raw vulnerability, strength, humor, and authenticity
• Outcome: Many talented Indigenous women auditioned

Cinematography

• Tone: Intimate and immersive
• Techniques:
  • Long takes and silences
  • Intentional choice of who to focus on during scenes
  • Audience feels "in the room" with characters

Challenges and Themes

• Challenges:
  • Emotional subject matter
  • Ensuring a safe and supportive environment for cast and crew
• Themes:
  • Complexity of domestic violence
  • Insufficient support services
  • Broader societal impact and awareness

Indigenous Representation

• Current State:
  • Indigenous filmmakers gaining recognition and access to funding
  • Importance of authentic narratives and representation
• Notable Figures: Taiko Waititi, Sterling Harjo, Jeff Barnaby, Danis Goulet

Audience Impact and Goals

• Primary Audience: Indigenous women
• Goal: Reflect Indigenous women's experiences and voices on screen
• Broader Audience: Raise awareness of domestic violence complexities

Film Festivals and Distribution

• Festival Circuit: Elevates film's profile and exposure
• Impact: Connects with global audiences
• Distribution: Partnership with Array and Netflix
  • Array: Community-driven, grassroots, supports marginalized voices
  • Support from Sundance: Helped close funding gaps and gain distribution

Conclusion

• Significance:
  • The film's intimate connection with audiences worldwide
  • The surreal experience of widespread distribution, including Netflix
  • The impact of being part of Array's community-focused platform