Coming Back to Life
TITLE
Coming Back to Life
DIRECTOR
Mantra Watsa
COUNTRY
Belgium, Hungary, Portugal
YEAR
2023
DURATION
20′
GENRE
Documentary
Coming Back to Life
This film is an attempt at exploring a sex worker's experiences of love, both within and beyond the realm of her job. Amelle, a sex-worker, is reclaiming her body and mind against trauma. The film will traverse both outside and within her body to map her experience of love and intimacy - while on the job or at home - and witness her healing.
DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY - Mantra Watsa
Born and raised in India, Mantra graduated from the University of Mumbai with a B.A. in English Literature and History. They recently graduated from Doc Nomads, a 2-year master’s degree in documentary filmmaking between Lisbon, Budapest and Brussels (2021 - 2023). In the past, Mantra collaborated with both large-scale and independent fiction film productions as a writer and assistant director. Their exploration of documentary cinema honed their skills as a cinematographer, editor and director. They are looking to explore the line between cinematic realities, and try to use tools of fiction to bring alive fantasy and horror that lurks among us. They are especially taken by themes of the body and sexuality, its plasticity and substance in our present world, and how it unwinds under society's illusions. Mantra is driven by collaborative initiatives, and wants to build projects with people and communities who share a vision for the future through art. Their latest film, Et Moi, Je Revis (Coming Back to Life) has been selected for its world premiere at Hot Docs 2024 and Asian premiere at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival Kerala.
- DirectorMantra Watsa
- Screenplay Mantra Watsa
- Cinematography
- Cast
- Editing
- Producer/s Mantra Watsa
- Production Company
- Distributor/s
- Project TitleComing Back to Life
- Project TypeDocumentary
- Completion Date 1 January 2023
- Country of originBelgium, Hungary, Portugal
- Country of filmingBelgium, Hungary, Portugal
- LanguageEnglish
- First-time Filmmaker No
- Student ProjectYes
Mantra Watsa
Born and raised in India, Mantra graduated from the University of Mumbai with a B.A. in English Literature and History. They recently graduated from Doc Nomads, a 2-year master’s degree in documentary filmmaking between Lisbon, Budapest and Brussels (2021 - 2023). In the past, Mantra collaborated with both large-scale and independent fiction film productions as a writer and assistant director. Their exploration of documentary cinema honed their skills as a cinematographer, editor and director. They are looking to explore the line between cinematic realities, and try to use tools of fiction to bring alive fantasy and horror that lurks among us. They are especially taken by themes of the body and sexuality, its plasticity and substance in our present world, and how it unwinds under society's illusions. Mantra is driven by collaborative initiatives, and wants to build projects with people and communities who share a vision for the future through art. Their latest film, Et Moi, Je Revis (Coming Back to Life) has been selected for its world premiere at Hot Docs 2024 and Asian premiere at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival Kerala.
