The Sneeze

“The Sneeze” is a relatable, slightly disturbing, portrayal of themes such as taking up space, transformation and queer joy. In this short film the piling up of discomfort leads to a sneeze, a sneeze so loud and intense it transforms them towards a vibrant, exaggerated and playful queer utopia.

The Sneeze is a love letter to unapologetic human existence. The inspiration is sourced from life experience of struggling to take up space physically, vocally and emotionally. The main character is placed in the most relatable situation in which this occurs: a group conversation. Do you take your place or does your inner critic prevent you from showing up? Maybe you’re unwanted, not good enough? How would you show up if there were no consequences? No more filter, released from the shackles of censorship. The sneeze is an involuntary act of self-expression. It symbolizes the choice we all have to make: do we make it small and inaudible, or do we let ourselves go and boldly take up space?

—CREDITS—
An initiative by
FASHIONCLASH

Written by-
Yala Claessens
Bent Lochtenberg
Vera van Nuenen

Directed by-
1st director- Yala Claessens
2nd director- Vera van Nuenen

Produced by- Vera van Nuenen
Director of Photography- Ward Deleersnyder

Cast
Eli- Luca Neumann
Jerome- Nico Ayala Rivera
Lena- Mylia Hennig
Blauwkous- Moos van de Maan
Masked- Bent Lochtenberg

Art Director & Costume Design- Bent Lochtenberg
Editor- Davide Simonetti
Music Composer- Ben Tanghe
color grader- David de Bruijn
Production Assistant- Lotte Hendriks
Set & Styling Assistant- Charlie Dröge
Hair / Makeup- Charlie Dröge & Moos van de Maan
Gaffer- Jona Schepens

Title and Poster Design- Bent Lochtenberg
BTS Photographer- Yuliia Tarasova l

Artistic Coach- Flo Meijer