Stepping Into The Arena

A Portrait

[2021] ■ Video ■ 1920x1080px ■ 35:34 min

Director ■ Editor ■ Videographer

About

Stepping into the Arena documents an in depth afternoon conversation between Dutch singer and songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Frederike Berendsen and founding drummer of her band FRÉ, Bobby Buening, reflecting on the journey of the creation of their album "WE RISE When We Lift Each Other Up".

They discuss death, vulnerability, fear, love, and the difference between optimism and naivety in a deeply personal and intimate conversation, despite the formal interview setting that the frame suggests. The impossibility of painting a clear picture of one person is overcome through the act of capturing their conversation on film. By creating an artificial setting and barrier the two deepen their understanding of themselves and each other and find a new level of honesty in performance.

The result is both a portrait and retrospective as well as a manifest and reflection on of how to deal with each other and the global challenges of the moment.

Made with ■ Sony Alpha ■ Zoom H2N ■ Adobe CC

Credits

■ Executive Producer: Frederike Berendsen
■ Music: FRÉ
■ Additional Footage: Samuel Straka (Razr Inc.) & Martin Ridder
■ Solo performance footage: Podium Kabam
■ Duo performance footage: Samuel Straka / escapades