Sonya Stefan is a Canadian media and dance artist working across analogue film (16mm/VHS), digital documentary, and live feedback projection. With over 25 years of contemporary dance experience, her practice integrates experimental moving image and dance performance. She is currently developing Cuña with Petrikor Danse, exploring menopause and internalised misogyny through video mapping the body, and has collaborated with Animals of Distinction, Group A, and Newton Moraes Dance Theatre.
The Truss Arch
The Truss Arch
The Truss Arch
Synopsis
In a Canadian border city, set against the imposing backdrop of factory chimneys and a truss arch bridge, this autobiographical ode to freedom moves through reflection and experimentation. A dance film rich in poetry and symbolism, it is also a heartfelt tribute to an immigrant mother whose fate lies beyond her control.
‘In filmmaker Sonya Stefan’s hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a truss arch bridge straddles the St. Marys River, linking Canada to the United States. But underneath the bridge, a kind of liminal space exists where the notion of borders is blurred. With a wild yet carefully controlled energy, this deconstructed work transports us to the curious site where, it seems, anything is possible.’
— Excerpted from the 2021 Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) Catalogue
Festivals & Awards
2022 Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma
2023 Ann Arbor FF
Director's Profile
Sonya STEFAN
Filmography
2015 TurnOnTVDrinkCoffeeRehearseShow
2016 Old Processes Forgotten
2018 Kitchen Series
2019 My Heart Palpitates
2020 Organ Rhythms Under the Rain
2021 Sentient Beings
2021 The Truss Arch
Credit
Producer／Editor｜Sonya STEFAN
Starring｜Angelica STEFAN, Sonya STEFAN
Cinematographer｜Olivier GOSSOT (16mm movie)
Archive｜Angelica STEFAN, Sonya STEFAN
Sound Design｜Jackie GALLANT
Sound Recordist｜Kurt WAIZMANN
Choreography｜Sonya STEFAN
Print Source
Serge ABIAAD｜serge@ladistributrice.ca
Shown in...
RIDM Shorts #2