The theme of flight in “WITHOUT” resonates deeply with the Art Beats Festival’s brief. Flight, in our narrative, symbolises the euphoric highs of being in love, akin to soaring through the skies. It captures the moments of pure joy and freedom that come with emotional connection, reflecting the magic and beauty described in the festival’s theme. However, as the brief also acknowledges, flight can embody escape and the lesser evil in a ‘fight or flight’ scenario. For our protagonist, the descent into depression represents the dark side of flight—where soaring turns into a perilous fall, and the act of fleeing becomes a means of survival rather than a choice.

In “WITHOUT,” the ballerina’s imaginary worlds serve as her cloud line, a space where she temporarily escapes her harsh reality. Yet, as she journeys through these mental landscapes, she must confront the dual nature of flight: the promise of transcendence and the risk of losing oneself. The film mirrors the festival’s contemplation of how flight, both literal and metaphorical, offers profound new perspectives while posing significant risks.

“WITHOUT” underscores the transformative power of art as a means of healing and redemption. It is through music and her dance and creative expression that our protagonist finds a way to rise above her struggles, illustrating that even in the throes of despair, the human spirit has the capacity to soar once more.