Dress

Scheduled in Block 5

Director Bio:

Ellie Schuckman is a graduate of The College of New Jersey who’s produced several projects over the past few years. She had her directorial debut with "Grasping Air" which was nominated for Best Student Film at the 2018 New Hope Film Festival. Since then, her work has screened in festivals across the country.

Director Statement:

What began with the sole image of a closet door popping open soon developed into a story filled with understanding and self-love. Dress follows a teenage girl living her truth by breaking the constraints placed upon her by society. A story told countless times before, I knew we needed a fresh approach for this to have impact. 

With an indie shoot scheduled for two days on no-budget, it was imperative we had a plan for production and stuck to it. When we lost our DP and one of the actors right before filming began, however, we were forced to adapt and stay fluid. The finished piece is stronger because of these challenges. We were able to live in the moments of these characters as they experience them, and let Alex’s journey guide us - not the other way around.

Dress covers several relevant themes which resonate with people from all backgrounds, and that’s what first drew me into this story. Self-reflection, identity, seeking comfort in your own body, defying the expectations others and society place upon you - I believe everyone experiences and questions these ideals at some point. This is a timely story told in a passionate way and I hope the audience is left with a feeling of compassion for others, but more importantly oneself.