Where I Learn to Breathe - A film by Elise Guillaume
Through a confessional letter to a loved one, the lasting impacts of a mental illness on female fertility unfolds. As the fluidity of water and the body intertwine, the artist takes us on a journey towards healing as she enters into symbiosis with nature.
For a limited time only, WILD AI community has access to watch the film below. We recommend using a headset for the best experience. Enjoy!
Where I Learn to Breathe, 2022. Directed by Elise Guillaume / Produced by Elise Guillaume & Chloe Abrahams / DoP: John Janssens / Sound, Editing & Narration: Elise Guillaume / Voice Over Recording: Jeremy Chen/ Sound Mix: Luis Trinques.
Artist statement on the film
Back in February 2021, Helene posted a personal post on Instagram about her egg freezing experience. Reading her brought up my trauma and fears around my irregular cycle. That’s when I started writing my response to her.
In Where I Learn to Breathe, I explore the lasting impacts of a mental illness on my fertility. The film was shot on the coast of Belgium in a nature reserve: the place where I spent the first months of my life. This place overlooks on the cargo highway where mass traffic occurs in/out of the port of Antwerp. The reserve is like a womb, somewhat protected yet vulnerable to the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Since making Where I Learn to Breathe, I've developed an interest in the healing potential of making confessional works. I'm passionate about how personal narratives can expand into more political discussions surrounding feminism and ecology.
Interested in female empowerment, ecology, art & film?