Image+Nation
Muses

Muses

SIMON VERMEULEN | CANADA | 2025 | 7 MIN | NO DIALOGUE

SIMON VERMEULEN | CANADA | 2025 | 7 MIN | NO DIALOGUE

VIRTUALShortCOMPETITIONQUEERMENT QUÉBEC

Synopsis

A dancer struggles to break free from the hold of his choreographer, now drawn to another. This silent film explores power, inspiration, and replacement within the LGBTQ+ dance community through body language and music.

Filmmaker Bio

Canadian filmmaker, dancer, and artist Simon Vermeulen discovers the expressive power of body language on screen while choreographing and producing Der Untermensch (TIFF 2013). After studying music in London and screenwriting for feature film, he writes, directs, choreographs, dances and independently produces two new short films, Saint-Rémi (FIFA 2024) and Muses, both supported by Canadian arts councils.

Director's Statement

Filmed in Quebec’s former asbestos mine of Saint-Rémi-de-Tingwick, this short film features the artist’s 'Tetrahedron' iron sculpture in which he dances. Serving as both a prison and a pedestal, this sculpture symbolizes humanity’s detrimental creations that both elevate and destroy. This duality is also echoed in the magnificent yet barren lunar landscape of the mine, which has remained sterile since its closure in 1968.

Producer

Simon Vermeulen

Writer

Simon Vermeulen

Cast

  • Simon Vermeulen
  • Robert Meilleur
  • François Richard

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