“Keep Hope” By Lidewij Hartog & Marlon van der Pas

Synopsis

Keep Hope is a short film that investigates the story behind an appearance. When a woman’s skin is telling a story about growing up in a strong religious environment, her (sexual) identity and the quest of finding a place in this world close to herself.

Directors statement

Born from the moment when meeting a stranger called Tamarah. This interaction left us with the feeling that there was a deeper layer to her, which we were not really able to grasp. Attracted to this depth, we decided to create this film, that is solely based on curiosity and intuition.

We are deeply humbled by the strength of Tamarah, who was willing to speak openly about her past and showing us her skin. Both entwined to tell the same story. Growing up in a strong religious environment, her (sexual) identity and the quest of finding a place in this world close to herself.

During the process, it became clear that the film touches upon many different themes. And it was a daring task to make a film that did justice to her honesty. Striving to be pure and sincere with the story narrative, the created visuals and soundtrack. A creative process that even became therapeutic to ourselves.

We hope it will be an inspiration for hope and perseverance for others too. It is so incredibly powerful and strengthens us when we dare to share the ways we heal ourselves.

Credits

Directors by Lidewij Hartog & Marlon van der Pas
Director of Photography: Lidewij Hartog
Starring: Tamarah van Capelleveen
Post production: Lidewij Hartog
Music: Marlon van der Pas
Additional Sound: Marlon van der Pas
Production: The Preacher | _Blank

“Keep Hope” was submitted to us by Lidewij Hartog. Have a film of your own you’d like us to check out? Click here!