“Tides” Unveiling Vulnerability through Artful Expression
“Tides,” is an innovative dance film project directed, edited, and performed by Ginny Jiang. The spotlight is on the female perspective, aiming to illuminate the heightened vulnerability women often face under societal scrutiny. This artistic endeavor unfolds the human body into diverse spaces, serving as a powerful means of expression and resistance against insecurity and chronic oppression.
The narrative of “Tides” originated amidst the captivating landscapes of Zhejiang Province, China, where the creative vision began to take shape. In an exclusive interview with director Ginny Jiang, she shared insights into the production journey, highlighting both the exhilarating and challenging aspects of bringing this unique project to life.
One of the production highlights, according to Ginny Jiang, was the meticulous research and on-site exploration of filming locations. Visiting nearly 14 locations in two days, the team experienced a magical moment at a reservoir set in stunning natural scenery. Arriving at 3 am to capture the sunrise, they encountered a fog along the water’s edge, creating an ethereal atmosphere that enveloped them in the magic of the moment.
However, every artistic journey comes with its challenges. Balancing different opinions from a diverse background of art team members and exploring the integration of film and dance posed difficulties for the production. Ginny Jiang acknowledged the ongoing exploration of this balance.
Reflecting on the project, Warren Workman asked if there was anything Ginny Jiang would have done differently if given the chance to go back in time. While open to suggestions, Jiang expressed confidence in the decisions made, emphasizing that the challenges enriched the project, fostering personal and creative growth. The journey became a valuable exploration of her inner sensibilities.
For aspiring individuals interested in entering the production space, Ginny Jiang had straightforward advice: “Grab this interest and just do it firmly. Don’t overthink about the consequences, just do it.”
As the interview concluded, Ginny Jiang invited audiences to stay connected and learn more about future projects. Currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she also teaches, Jiang’s projects and future residencies will be closely linked to the university and state. Audiences can keep up with her updates on her personal website by searching for Ginny Jiang. The director expressed gratitude to everyone interested in following her artistic journey, promising more captivating projects in the future.
“Tides” is an Official Selection of the Utah International Film Festival and will screen at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT. The festival runs February 12-17 in Utah County.
