The In-Betweens
2019
short film
single-channel, 4 mins 36 secs
IMMERSIO 2024, exhibited at GMBB, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Shortlisted for Frameworks Film Festival 2019, screened at The Projector, Singapore
Adversarial Frames Exhibition 2019, screened at Nanyang Technological University, School of Art, Design and Media main lobby
Director, editor, soundscape composer: Teng Yu Qing
Performers: Margaret Suhasini Anthony, Teng Yu Qing
The In-Betweens explores the concept of symbiotic mutualism through breathing as a metaphor for the momentum shared between two coexisting entities. Breathing patterns illustrate interdependence: each movement creates a new one in response to another's action. A cyclical system emerges when one's ebb and flow influence that of the other, which in turn affects the original. Even the smallest change can have a profound impact, forcing the system to either reject or accommodate the shift.
The In-Betweens seeks to observe the relationship between two symbiotic entities at a fundamental level. When one entity changes, how does the other respond? In this exploration, opposing yet harmonious forces are revealed, creating an uneasy rhythm and fragile harmony.
The In-Betweens is a meditative and reflective work that invites the viewer into a state of inner peace. Rooted in the artist’s deep connection with breath, the piece draws on an often overlooked yet essential element of classical Chinese Dance. Breath forms the foundation of 身韵 (shen yun), which loosely translates to the dancer’s movements, rhythm, and emotions being guided from the inside out. This connection between breath and movement fosters a sense of harmony, where the external and internal worlds converge. The accompanying music is composed to evoke an immersive, cyclical soundscape, reinforcing the ebb and flow of life and the balance between inner and outer tranquillity. Through this work, the artist seeks to reflect on how inner peace can be achieved by embracing the rhythms of both the body and the world around us, finding a sense of home and belonging within oneself, no matter the external circumstances.