Celia Rowlson-Hall’s breathtaking film takes dance cinema to new level with her feature-length production, MA. The film, shot across the dusty landscapes of the American Southwest, is an alternative retelling of the Mother Mary story, all without dialogue. Instead, the physical storytelling happens through the abstracted gesture of contemporary dance.
MA still by Ian Bloom
Powerhouse Rowlson-Hall is the writer, director, choreographer, and star, playing Ma, the Mother Mary character. Her raw and vital performance gives insight into the famous character, who’s identity is often consumed wholly by purity and motherhood. Here we see her pre-baby, on a surreal contemporary road trip where she must survive the trauma of womanhood. Beautifully crafted and bizarre scenic environments play a large role too, steeped in psychology and symbolism that interact with the dancing and compelling cinematography.
MA still by Ian Bloom
MA, which won the Audience Award at the AFI Film Festival, happens to be coming to Northwest Film Forum this weekend for two showings followed by talk backs with Rowlson-Hall. The dance and filmmaker has previously shown works at the NWFF/Velocity collaboration Next Dance Cinema. She also co-organized and directed the internet famous Pant Suit Power flash mob video last year.
Check out SeattleDances facebook page this week for a chance to WIN A PAIR OF FREE TICKETS TO MA, courtesy of Northwest Film Forum.
Show times:
Saturday, February 11 at 8:00pm
Sunday, February 12 at 4:30pm
For tickets check out NWfilmforum.org.
MA still by Ian Bloom
