Exhale

A woman’s determined journey of self-improvement after a recent breakup hits a bumpy road when she discovers a missing kitchen appliance.

Written, Directed, Shot & Chopped:
Rouzbeh Noori

Starring:
Hanna Wibergh
Hannes Siebeneicher
Caitlin Hahn

1st AD & Photographer:
Karmen Saare

Sounds & Colour:
Jesus Rodriguez

Today, more than ever, we are all bombarded with dreams of self-improvement and reinvention. The promise that with only one small adjustment, we could be happier, fitter, more successful, fulfilled in love and relationships. As great as a strive for betterment is, we risk now allowing ourselves to simply take the time we need to get there. Fail, be overwhelmed, be heartbroken.

I wanted the protagonist of Exhale to realize that the hard way. She’s reacting to the heartbreak of a recent relationship breakup by doing what most of us would do: throwing herself head first into a dozen self-improvement projects. And it all seems to be working beautifully, on surface. But then the smallest thing can bring down the whole facade. The Celine at the end of the film is still trying to be the best version of herself that she can be, but also allowing herself to grieve, take stock, fall, and then get back up.

The shoot was a absolutely no-budget affair, with a handful of friends, a wonderfully talented actress from Denmark, who I got to meet only on the day of the shoot. One of our biggest assets was a lovely apartment borrowed from a friend, with a view to kill for. Except that the sunset we had been hoping for didn’t seem to be forthcoming thanks to a last minute overcast forecast. It was only after we had given up on the sunset shots and our actress had left that the clouds parted, revealing a beautiful golden sky. A few panicked phone calls later, and we managed to get the shots we needed. It was a labour of love and a heartfelt tale of a strong woman that we all felt passionate about telling.