Embodied Chorus

What is the shape of a virus? To some, it’s a kiwi, to others, it’s a butterfly, a wart or an unnameable mass. In Embodied Chorus, filmmakers Danielle Davie and Mohamad Moe Sabbah bravely open a dialogue about living with sexually transmitted infections. Drawing from their own experiences and collaborating with five actors, they turn individual testimonials — recorded across the city of Beirut — into an ensemble of personal stories and transformations. “My biggest fear is changing as a person… I feel like an outsider in my own self,” says one of the people. While the experiences are distinct — in languages, gender identities and sexual orientations — they share the emotions of shock, fear, anger and shame. At times, the screen becomes a canvas that visualizes people’s inner worlds: images of metamorphosis, search engine results, a body consumed by darkness. Gradually, the conversations move towards recovery and change. Confusion and stigmatization fade away, as people find acceptance within themselves. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)