Sororibus

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Viola dreams of becoming a Decora in a visually inviting all-female world. She wants to be a star and loved by all, however, she discovers another side to the utopian city and tries to escape. 

The experimental film plans to combine live action against green screen with 2D and 2.5D collage animation and will include archival footage and stop motion techniques. The film aesthetics will be vibrant colours and surreal objects, with architecture and scenes inspired by Renaissance art and characters, poses and costumes inspired by contemporary magazines and photographers.

The narrative questions our perspectives on traditional feminine beauty ideals, the notion that physical attractiveness is one of women’s most important assets and something that all women should strive to achieve and maintain. The story originates from an extract from Naomi Wolf’s The Beauty Myth, in which beauty could be an alternative female world. In Sororibus, Latin for sisterhood, the all female dystopian society has its own laws, religion, culture, education and an economy that maintains the perfect equilibrium. 

The city, situated on an island, is visually inviting, but behind the facade of garish colours and fake materials there are persuasive powers conforming women to rigorous procedures and rituals.  Beauty is a currency system, and everyone competes to be perfect and to be seen. The film not only explores social issues around appearance and the desire for perfection but also looks  at contemporary topics on identity, technology and competitiveness. 

The film is targeted towards the young adult and plans to be screened at colleges, universities, art galleries and film festivals. 

At a later stage, an immersive digital exhibition is planned with digital interfaces in which the audience can participate and make commentary. 

'There's just one more thing... we need to change the shape of your face and it requires cutting into the jawbone. There's a risk of fatal complications but don't worry it will yield material dividends.'