When the sea withdraws

Francesco Lorusso

2022

A dark, decaying structure overlooks an endless beach. In the darkness, a red neon sign flickers, perhaps a last hope: “Au revoir.” A group of people, shadows among shadows, waits their turn for a chance to step out of the darkness and remember something they have forgotten. Beyond this chamber of oblivion lies the sea. “When 'the sea withdraws, you must dance’” is the only advice to follow, so that memories may resurface when the waves recede, revealing a seabed otherwise submerged. For two siblings, it is the low tide of their memory, to be recalled through music and dance, ritual and transcendence. Memories take shape, become matter, appear for a moment, and then fade away.

PRODUCTION: Cinefonie

COUNTRY: Italy

LANGUAGE: Bambara

RUNNING TIME: 10’

  • Visioni italiane (2022, Italy)
    Glocal Film Festival (2022, Italy)
    Machiavelli Music Award for Best Original Score
    Free Aquila Festival (2022, Italy)
    Festa del cinema di mare (2023, Italy)
    Mauro Mancini Award for Best Short Film
    Ortigia Film Festival (2023, Italy)
    Edera Film Festival (2023, Italy)
    Molise Cinema (2023, Italy)
    Foggia Film Festival (2023, Italy)

  • Director: Francesco Lorusso
    Director of Photography: Enrico Sanna
    Editing: Francesco Lorusso
    Production Designer: Isabella Bruschi
    Costume Designer: Silvia Dongiovanni
    Original Soundtrack: Elia Pellegrini

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