A Way to B is an emotionally resonant documentary-dance film directed by Jos de Putter and Clara van Gool. Released in 2022, the film offers an intimate portrayal of the Catalan dance collective Liant la Troca, whose members include performers with various physical disabilities.
Cinematographer Jean Charles Counet brings a deeply personal perspective to this project. His approach to filming was profoundly influenced by his own experiences with physical decline, particularly witnessing his father's struggle with an incurable muscular disease. This personal connection allowed Counet to capture the dancers' movements and stories with exceptional sensitivity and understanding.
The film seamlessly blends documentary storytelling with dance performances, following the dancers as they express their individual stories through movement. Sensual, exuberant, and provocative choreographies unfold in diverse settings - from theaters to public squares, forests to living rooms. Interspersed with these performances are candid insights into the dancers' daily lives and challenges.
Aesthetically, Counet and the directors sought to embrace imperfection, mirroring the film's themes of human resilience and adaptability. They utilized anamorphic lenses for their characteristic distortion and transferred digital footage back to 35mm film. This process introduced grain and movement imperfections that add depth and texture to the imagery, enhancing the raw, authentic feel of the performances.
Critics have praised "A Way to B" for its unique perspective on human resilience and inclusivity. Eye Filmmuseum describes it as "an experience that's as confrontational as it is moving," while NPO Doc calls it "a heartfelt plea for inclusivity." The film received recognition at IDFA 2022, earning a nomination for the Best Dutch Film Award.
For Counet, filming "A Way to B" offered not just artistic fulfillment but also personal enrichment, providing insights into coping with adversity and physical limitations. His cinematography invites viewers to look beyond physical constraints and appreciate the artistry, strength, and joy embodied by these remarkable performers.
"A Way to B" stands as a powerful testament to human adaptability and the expressive potential of the body in all its diverse forms. It challenges perceptions of disability while celebrating the boundless creativity of the human spirit.
A Way to B is part of the official IDFA Master selection.
Nominated for IDFA Award for Best Dutch Film
Director:
Jos de Putter, Clara van Gool
Production:
Janneke Doolaard for Doxy Films, Harmen Jalvingh for Doxy Films
Executive producer:
Sylvia Baan for DOXY
Co-production:
Dieptescherpte BV
Cinematography:
Jean Charles Counet
Editing:
Stefan Kamp
Sound:
Rik Meier
Sound Design:
Alex Booy
Screenplay:
Jos de Putter, Clara van Gool
Involved TV Channel:
EOdocs
Distribution for the Netherlands:
Mokum Filmdistributie
Screening copy:
Matthijs van de Laar for DOXY
