Eyes without gaze

EYES WITHOUT GAZE is an experimental film that challenges conventional storytelling, drawing inspiration from the aesthetic style of Chantal Akerman, where atmosphere and space take precedence over direct action. In this film, the narrative is not dictated by explicit plot events, but by the subtle interplay of Maria’s fragmented perception of reality and her quest for justice. The use of genre tropes—such as the thriller or horror narrative—becomes a tool for reinterpreting familiar dynamics of victim and perpetrator, without reinforcing them. Through Maria’s search for truth and agency, the film avoids a traditional perpetrator-victim dichotomy and instead presents Maria as an active, autonomous character.

The film unfolds in three distinct layers: Maria’s reality, her dream, and side scenes that explore the broader collective experience of FLINTA individuals. Each level reflects different facets of trauma, justice, and empowerment. The dream sequences draw heavily from folklore, where truth and justice are pursued after experiences of sexual violence. This blending of waking and dream states creates an ambiguous narrative space, where the boundaries between consciousness and subconsciousness blur, heightening the emotional tension and deepening the audience’s connection with Maria’s journey.

In the tradition of transcendental cinema, where time, silence, and atmosphere are pivotal in conveying emotion, EYES WITHOUT GAZE utilizes minimal dialogue and elongated moments of stillness. By doing so, it invites the viewer to engage not just with the story, but with the emotions and experiences that lie beneath the surface. The film doesn’t provide clear answers or resolutions, but instead offers a reflective space for the viewer to confront the complexities of trauma, justice, and collective healing.