Mer – Of Oceans and Bodies, 2min., Canada
Directed by Katrina Piacek
Mer – Of Oceans and Bodies is a hydrofeminist experimental dance film that explores the interwoven experiences of femme bodies and oceans under extractivism. This work takes on an hydrofeminist perspective, exploring the interwoven experiences of femme bodies and oceans. It investigates the patriarchal logic of exploitation and its effects on the fertility of oceans and bodies, blurring the binary between them as symbols of fertility. Investigating the correlation between the moon’s effect on ocean tides and femme reproductive cycles, this piece explores how patriarchal development and exploitation confuse and corrupt the cycles between nature and bodies and how we can explore reimagine our relationships with bodies of water through movement.

Get to know producer/dancer Sarah Rose Mercer & director Katrina Piacek

1. What motivated you to make this film?

S: This work began as an extension of the collaborative relationship between Katrina and me. The concept and aesthetic feel like a natural continuation of the world we built as a creative duo. However, in many ways, this piece diverged from our previous collaborative practice. Katrina explored video and underwater film, while I worked with dance underwater — both new elements for us. The motivation behind this work is deeply connected to our energy as emerging artists who want to challenge and expand both our individual and collective practices.

K: Adding to Sarah’s point, a big motivation for this project was just simple exploration. The idea of “let’s just see where we can go!” Lots of play!

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take to make this film?

K: Just close to a year! It took longer than we both expected but we had factors like distance and other full time commitments that made the process a bit longer than anticipated. So we weren’t working on it full time for a year, just part time.

3. How would you describe your film in two words?

S: Immersive. Experimental.

K: Experimental. Uncanny

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

S: The biggest challenge we faced as a duo was the scale of the work and finding creative balance while incorporating new artistic elements. As a small three-person team with an ambitious vision, we had to navigate the realities of daily life, other jobs, and geographic separation — with me based in Vancouver and Katrina in Victoria.

K: I agree the distance was the hardest part. When we previously worked together we lived in the same city. This project was the first time we were a whole ferry ride away from each other making scheduling and distance our biggest feat.

5. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

S: I feel most excited about the production stage. It feels like true alchemy — enacting an imagined idea and watching it come to life. I’m also drawn to the unknown of this phase. Even as we capture content, we don’t yet know exactly how post-production will shape the final piece, which leaves room for discovery.

K: I love the development phase! Having the smallest little idea and seeing how it grows. Especially in collaboration, getting to build an idea together. Brainstorming all the elements that will bring it to life. It’s a really fun process and it helps get me excited for my next favourite part of the film making process..the production stage.

6. When did you realize you wanted to make films?

K: I can’t really remember exactly when. I’ve always loved film, especially films that were odd and obscure. I guess I’ve always wanted to make films without ever realizing it until I found myself on sets. Making films became an organic progression from my photography and art practice. It is so collaborative and that’s the part I love the most! Photography can get a little lonely, whereas filmmaking is never solo. Making films with my friends is the best feeling in the world so when I started to work on their projects with them, that’s really when I 100% knew I wanted to make films.

S: We conceptualized this film in response to our previous work as a duo for the Ocean Wise Ocean Action Grant. Receiving funding for materials was incredibly affirming and motivated us to volunteer our time toward fully realizing the project.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

K: I don’t know about seen the most times but a film that I definitely go back to over and over again is “The Worst Person in The World” by Joachim Trier. It’s a film that feels like so many different things. A photograph, a book, a poem. It’s entertaining and engaging and it’s art!

8. In a perfect world, who would you like to collaborate with on a film?

S: I’m very inspired by the work of Josephine Meng. And dancer/choreographer Emma Portner, particularly her video-based work. Both artists create powerful intersections between movement and film that deeply resonate with me.

K: I feel like I won the lottery with my group of friends and housemates. We are all creatives and filmmakers, so just having funds to employ us all to make the films we want together would be the ultimate dream! There’s so many incredible artists that come to mind but where my heart really lies is with them.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working with the platform?

K: So simple and easy to submit! It’s amazing that this platform exists. Without it I wouldn’t know where to start the process of getting our film out there.

S: It has been a wonderful experience working with FilmFreeway. The platform has provided incredible support in distributing our work and has made the submission process feel accessible and encouraging.

10. What is your favorite meal?

S: Tacos!

K: haha not a meal but I love sautéed tuscan kale with garlic, salt and olive oil. I will often eat a whole head as a meal.

11. What is next for you?

S: Continuing to create and explore movement and interdisciplinary practice!

K: Same! Continuing to create and explore within my photography and filmmaking. To continue working on the balance between the two. Bring more of my creative ideas to life!