Despite the Scars
Date:
January 12, 2023
Despite the Scars
Despite the Scars
by Felix Rier
Helios Sustainable Films | Italy
Documentary | 1st feature
Looking for Gap-Financing, Sales Agents, Festivals
Logline
In her quest to recover from a brutal gang rape, Thea turns to dance as a means of healing her emotional and physical trauma. As she embraces a new relationship and the joy of motherhood with the birth of her son, Thea is faced with the challenging question of whether true healing is ever attainable.
Synopsis
After enduring the trauma of a brutal gang rape, young dancer Thea embarks on a profound journey of healing. Through her choreography, she confronts her pain step by step, gradually transforming her vulnerability into a quiet yet fierce bravery. With the unwavering support of her partner Thiago and the unconditional love of their dog Mandinga, Thea discovers a safe space to begin piecing together her shattered world. The birth of her son Monan further redefines her relationship with her body and sense of self. We follow Thea’s most intimate struggles through her personal video diaries, intertwined with the tender lens of her childhood friend, filmmaker Felix, who uncovers the unspoken layers of her healing process.
DESPITE THE SCARS highlights the collective responsibility we share in supporting those who have endured trauma, reminding us of the vital roles empathy, dignity, and love play in times of darkness.
Director’s Profile
Felix Rier was born and raised in the Italian Alps. After graduating from business school with a focus on finance and marketing, he moved to Berlin in 2016 and began a three-year apprenticeship as a media designer. Therefore, he mainly works in the camera department, as first and second camera assistant, as junior DOP and sound technician. From 2019 to 2022 he studied camera and light at ZeLIG – School for Documentary Film in Bolzano, Italy.
As part of his film studies, he produced the short film ein mann zu sein (to be a man), which premiered at the Trento Film Festival 2021.
Company Profile
Helios Sustainable Films is an independent production company based in Italy. Founded in 2012, it is run by its CEO producer Martin Rattini, has two employees and an extensive network of freelance professionals. We strongly emphasise sustainable filmmaking — content-wise we focus on socio-political and environmental issues, while also upholding the standards of Green Producing. The films produced by Helios range from creative documentaries to feature films.