OPIMA
Short Film
Production and Costume Design

OPIMA is a collaborative short dance film in three parts. The film revolves around weight in its many forms, the fluidity of water, reverberating flesh and the attraction of atoms.

In experimenting with an unconventional creative process, Opima was conceived in the space between mediums. Exploring different methodologies used to create a piece of movement. How costume, choreography and sound can lead the development of a project and impact the final result.

OPIMA I explored the physical properties of flesh and the way it moves and bounces under gravity. The costumes were made ahead of rehearsal, brought into the studio to be used as the main material in devising. Using methodologies such as somatic costuming and studies into costume phenomenology we developed a working practice using the materiality of the costumes to inform movement and character.

OPIMA II was lead by sound. The process of devising was lead by responding to sound, provided by the musician, as well as creating and responding to their own sounds made through movement. In the final performance the dancers moved to a track composed for the piece, as well as three live microphones which live recorded and mixed their own noises into the live track.

OPIMA III was lead by movement. The costume was devised alongside the style and character of movement. The piece was performed to a metronome, and the music was created in post production, responding directly to the movement.

Produced and designed by
Maya Heritage
Choreography by
Keira Johnson
Music by
Jack Coombes (Trees of Childhood)
Director of Photography
Jack Cowls
Lighting design by
Olivia Charneux

Performed by
Lizzie Parker, Margaux Eckert, Izzabella Bradbury, Christina Vasileiadi, Demail Manning, Chelsea Breeze and Mollie Paton