“Sealskin”, interview with the director Irene Moray

December 8, 2023

Irene Moray, director. "Sealskin". A poetic and political strong take about violence against women.

"Sealskin", interview with the director Irene Moray Angelo Acerbi

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“Sealskin” by Irene Moray is one of the film developed at this year’s Torino Film Lab, an event included in the production days of the Torino Film Industry, that happen in the days of the Torino Film Festival, this year at its 41st edition. The film is supported through the Script Lab and Feature Lab programmes.

A poetic approach to a tragic theme

“Sealskin” deals with violence against women, that is an issue more and more urgent all over the world. With a poetic and magical approach, the story of slowly disappearance signifies the importance of self determination and equality that is at the base of any sane and safe society.

Plot

When a coworker disappears, worry spreads among university janitors. Flora (25) is the most distressed of them all. She can be awkward or even rude, but very perceptive. She lives with her grumpy grandmother and has an affair with Bonian (27), a sensitive gardener. One stormy evening Flora gets completely soaked when Helga (30), an aspiring teacher and childhood friend, offers her a lift. They rekindle their friendship: despite their socio-economic differences, they can be themselves with each other. But Flora discovers a mysterious transparent stain growing on Helga’s chest. Desperate to prevent her disappearance, she tries various remedies: cooking protein-rich meals, placing beautiful stones on her body, telling her stories. However, Helga believes that her void can only be filled by her boyfriend Gael (42). Before Helga completely vanishes, Flora and Bonian will bring her to a house in the woods where women have come to heal—a safe space to reclaim agency over her lost body.

Written by: Angelo Acerbi

Guest

Irene Moray