With
Lucas Brahme, Diane, and Nancy

Producers
Zazie Ray-Trapido & Leonardo Pirondi

Sound Mix
Andrew Kim

Format: 16 mm, color, 5.1 sound
Length: 15 minutes
Year: 2024
Prod. Country: USA

On a cul-de-sac in a Southern California suburb, where identical houses abound and multiply and where carefully maintained appearances are often deceptive, two neighbours reminisce about their first meeting. Their discussions reveal a deep friendship, initially imposed by proximity but strengthened by a shared trauma. This short film, whose saturated, grainy images were captured on 16mm film, explores the paradoxes hidden behind the illusion of the American dream with finesse, skill, and originality. In a climate where nature and humanity collide in ways as brutal as they are unpredictable, The Instability of Clouds builds a poignant portrait of resilience and solidarity and calls for a reflection on the fragility of everyday life. — (MAS) RIDM Program Notes

IFFR ROTTERDAM 2024: BAULERA 12 AND THE INSTABILITY OF CLOUDS

On television and in movies, the suburbs of the US have a reputation for cattiness, competition and even unseen evil. In The Instability of Clouds, we see another version of these planned communities, one of love, solidarity, and healing of shared trauma. Though the environment might be artificial, the connections are real. — Cristina Kolozsváry-Kiss

The Instability of Clouds opens on one of the tens of thousands suburban American towns. A mere few shots are enough to set the scene, our subconscious - over-saturated with images of nondescript American suburbs - quickly conjures up the off-screen world itself; and as the two characters appear, viewers have already decided on their past and present. Two desperate housewives share their secrets about a tragedy that occurred years ago in the neighbourhood. But suddenly, Zazie Ray Trapido shifts gears. Like a worn record, images spin out of control, abandoning any narrative structure; the houses vanish, giving way to an almost slapstick air-house tour. The young filmmaker experiments, toys with conventions, and invites us to reflect about nature and residential areas, present and future, through time and space. ― Clairemma Blot