Dreams in Nightmares
International Debut: Berlin Panorama
Logline:
Four queer Black women embark on an impromptu road trip across the Midwest in search of their missing friend, leading to a cathartic odyssey of self-discovery and healing.
Synopsis:
Laid off from her job, Z (Denée Barton) spontaneously travels from Los Angeles to New York City to visit her college friends Tasha (Sasha Compère) and Lauren (Dezi Bing). A night out sparks a cross-country road trip as they realize none of them have heard from their friend Kel (Mars Storm Rucker) in an alarmingly long time. What follows is a transformative journey filled with joy and recovery.
Director's Statement:
Director Shatara Michelle Ford explains that "Dreams in Nightmares" emerged from a desire to "use [their] imagination and encourage others to do the same." They recognized the pervasive exhaustion and resignation many people felt, especially within marginalized communities. The film aims to remind audiences that "there is something beyond what we can see and experience" and that by staying open to change, we can create better lives for ourselves.
Themes:
* The power of chosen families
* The spectrum of acceptance and support
* The longing for connection and belonging
* The resilience and joy of queer communities in the face of adversity
Unique Features:
* A love letter to chosen families
* Explores the complexities of family dynamics and self-acceptance
* A testament to the strength and resilience of marginalized communities
* A departure from the typical portrayal of queer narratives in film
Director's Future Projects:
Ford expresses interest in exploring the mid-budget adult semi-crime-thriller genre, citing classic films like "Insomnia" and "Panic Room" as inspiration.