Architectuur van het vrije lichaam

The cover of a film titled 'Architectuur van het Vrije Lichaam' features two women looking into a mirror, with the title written in large yellow text at the top, and the directors' names, Danique Jaspers and Adriana Ivanova, in yellow text at the bottom.

Our streets were emptier than ever, but our heads were full of landscapes of desires. Connected by collective loneliness, we craved touch from neighbors and strangers. People could no longer find themselves in other people's body cavities and corners. How could our hunger for skin be satisfied or at least tolerated in those times of social deprivation?

Year
2020

Client
deBalie en Amsterdams 4&5mei comité

Rapid concept-to-execution workflow: Concept and script developed in one week,
production executed in the next.

project in short

Production through constraints: Minimal styling and intimate videography amplified emotional impact.

From moodboard to execution:
Strong visual language, vulnerable, honest, and desire-filled, reinforced the film’s poetic tone.

Still of the shortfilm Architectuur van het Vrije Lichaam Reflected silhouette of two hands reaching towards each other in a round mirror, with light curtains and window in the background.

Bringing the story to life

To create a film that could capture the collective feeling of longing and loneliness during times of social deprivation, while offering comfort, inspiration, and a poetic perspective on freedom.

Our approach

We merged poetry with cinematic storytelling, translating emotions of desire and resilience into a visual architecture of freedom. By working with a small team and minimal styling, we could move fast and keep the process raw and authentic. This efficient, agile workflow allowed us to deliver a film that felt personal and artistic, while still accessible to a wider audience.

Behind the scenes

What made this project truly special was how limitations became a source of creativity. With restrictions shaping every choice, we leaned into intimacy and simplicity. The collaboration between poet and filmmaker was seamless; words and visuals feeding off each other, creating a layered work that spoke louder together than they ever could apart.

Awards

This film won the category ‘Best Spoken Word’ in the Open Call of 4 & 5 mei comité Amsterdam and DeBalie. It premiered on Dutch national television (VPRO Mondo) and is included in the digital exhibition Corona in de stad at Amsterdam Museum.

Reflection of a person in two circular mirrors showing the side and back of their body, placed on a wooden surface.
Decorative mirrors, including round and square shapes, placed on a wooden surface, with some mirror reflections visible.

strategy

brainstorm · concept · script · production · editing · videography · pitch

TEAM

Adriana Ivanova (a.k.a.Hartkamers) & Danique Jaspers
Camera, edit, production by Danique Jaspers
Styling, script, production by Adriana Ivanova

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