In today’s society people are now becoming more aware of the meaning of gender.
Do you know anyone or have you ever felt uncomfortable with your assigned gender and/or roles?
Current social situation
Gender binarism is a very divisive element in modern society. By imposing the existence of only two genders, each one with its own specific roles, it represses anyone who identifies or expresses their gender outside of the established boundaries.
My Inspiration
As a member of the LGTBQ+ community I have experienced those boundaries in my gender expression. I have felt I’m not feminine enough to fit into what society has dictated a woman has to be or look like. With this short film, I want to contribute to this growing movement that’s aching to change how we perceive gender and gender norms, so anyone can identify and express their gender in whatever way they feel most comfortable.
Cinema as a tool
I think that cinema is a very powerful tool to widen people’s perspectives, inviting the spectator to empathize with what is happening on the screen and to understand, not in a rational way, as we are used to, but from the heart and emotions. As a director I want to use my knowledge to build a more inclusive society, which is why I focus my films on social dilemmas.
Ayün is a project based on a short film, but it goes much further. When finished, it will serve as a tool to create debate and teach people of all ages about gender norms through workshops and other venues.
Plot
Ayün is a 28-year-old nonbinary person who, through a conversation with their partner Sky, remembers their upbringing far away from the city.
Their mothers, Flor and Laia, decided to raise Ayün in a rural community environment where there were no established gender roles and children interacted with the world around them without fitting in gender restrictive boxes.
However, when family moves to the city, in a clash of worlds we follow Ayün in their discovery of what gender binarism means.
*People who identify as nonbinary use they/their pronouns.
Tone and style
The aim of this short film is to facilitate entering Ayün’s world and thoughts, with a contemplative tone based on long expressive shots and working with natural light so we can create that connection.
Regarding aesthetics, Ayün’s world in the countryside takes place in the 90’s defining a retro style and continues their transition to an urban, extravagant, and glittery lifestyle.
The shooting process
During my involvement in the film industry, I have experienced a very fixed hierarchy in the organizational structure that limits the creative ability and synergy of those working on the production. One of my goals with Ayün is to shift to a more "horizontal" form of organizing a film crew that would allow for more input from all involved to create a stronger team and a better film.
Team
Dèlia Biddle (Screenplay and Director)
Neus Pagès (Photography director)
Anna Albert (Art director)
Elena Samper (Production)
Berta Vilaró (Assistant director)
Where is the money going?
