shapes of birth

Shapes of Birth is a fragile, wordless meditation on birth, on how it transforms both body and spirit. A succession of shifting forms, endlessly layered. We wanted to create an abstract film to share our indescribable feelings through textures and sounds.

Having a child is an overwhelming experience. I humbly accompanied my wife through the adventure of pregnancy, witnessing her overcome fears: her body changing, her doubts about ever dancing the same way again. There was also the fear of becoming invisible in a society that celebrates performance and success while avoiding any recognition of vulnerability. Yet alongside these anxieties came the intense joy and the strange new sensations of life quietly taking shape within.

I wanted to create a film with her to celebrate this transformation—to celebrate evolving forms, magnify doubt, and honor fragility. For me, art has always served this purpose. I often find myself drifting above the current of life, unable to grasp its passing. Creating helps me hold onto the real, to make it mine.

Shapes of Birth is a short film born of spontaneity, shot only by the two of us with the raw intimacy of a Bolex 16mm.

Our way of welcoming in our life — Pablo Sage Castillon.

directed by Fanny Sage & Neels Castillon
original music by Thylacine
color grading by Sylvain Canaux
filming location — Loreto di Casinca, Corsica, France
format — Black & White, 16mm
created with the precious help of Jean-Pierre Gavini, Romain Alary, Mai Aghababian, RVZ, and Louis Arnoux