This ‘Pick of the Net’ features a beautiful and powerful short circus film by former Cirque Du Soleil performer Matthew Richardson who is dedicating his time to creating LGBTQ performance art – The CircusQueer Project in 2019.
He hopes to raise questions and conversation about how we treat each other using performance art to ‘ask for more kindness, to gently open the minds of people who don’t understand and create something beautiful’ that speaks to issues within the LGBTQ community.
He is creating positive social change through his art, by sharing stories and connecting community.
All power to you Matthew from all of us at Carnival Cinema
Here’s what Matthew wrote about this film:
“Hallelujah” is a queer/circus concept about religion and the importance of choosing kindness regardless of our differences or beliefs. Religion is a tough subject for many in the LGBTQ community, and this piece is a reflection of the struggle and rejection we often feel. It tells the story of an individual troubled by the hate in the world and his partner who is fighting to lift him up, to remind him he is beautiful exactly how he is. My message is that religion should inspire more kindness and open arms, even towards those you may not understand.
My goal is to create performance art that inspires a kinder world for the queer community by challenging social norms, raising questions and starting conversations. I am creating a series of conceptual videos about gender identity, human nature, queer culture and how the world treats individuals who are “different” but exactly the same. The challenge for me is that video production can be very expensive, so please subscribe and stay connected through Instagram/Facebook to help make future projects possible! By creating performance art that evokes emotion and is undeniably beautiful, I hope to use these creations to deliver important social messages and open minds towards a kinder future.
This video is inspired by all the hate messages I received after my first creation “THE ARROW”… It is inspired by the protestors I see at every pride with signs of hate. Using religion as a weapon seems so backwards to me. My message is that religion should inspire more kindness and open arms, even towards those you may not understand.
For Inquiries Contact – matthewdesigns22@gmail.com
A Film by MATTHEW RICHARDSON | @circusspinner – Director of Creation | Concept + Choreography
DAMIAN SIQUEIROS | @damiansiqueirosphoto Creative Producer | Production Director | Artistic Advisor
GUILLAUME PAQUIN + ARTHUR MOREL VAN HYFTE – Featured Artists + Choreography
MAX MACHADO – Cinematographer
GUILLERMO CASTENELLOS – Assistant Camera + BTS
AZIZ ZOROMBA – Assistant Camera + BTS
ROMAIN RABASA – Grip
MUSIC – “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
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