If You Leave

If You Leave
Written By Ming-Bo Lam

If You Leave premiered at the Toronto International Short Film Festival (2016) & was also showcased at the Utah Dance Film Festival (2017)

Robert Pilichowski & I collaborated on a little project that stemmed from the need to just get in a space & feed our souls. Inspired by the song "I Run to You" by Missio, we spent a day doing just that. This is the result.​

If You Leave is a short contemporary dance film about a woman's relentless devotion and loyalty to a partner who is no longer a part of her life. An industrial warehouse space filled with an atmosphere of nostalgia sets the stage. Amidst a thick layer of smoke a woman appears. Her lover has left a gaping void in her life. She stands alone, left only with her thoughts, the gravity of her situation is palpable. Her movements fluid and subtle at times are drastically contrasted with emotionally charged moments and bursts of energy. Overwhelmed with passion her body eventually crumbles to the ground. Although physically spent, her mind still lingers, never really letting go.

HUGE LOVE to everyone who made that day what it was; this little film what it is. Couldn't have done it without you XO

Director / Cinematographer / Editor Robert Pilichowski
Choreographer / Dancer [me!]
Camera Assistant & Sound / Jack Weisman
Hair & Makeup / Brooke Palsson
Production Assistant / Jessamine Fok / Fernando Garcia
Color House / alter ego
Colorist / Clinton Homuth
Sound Mix / Tyson Kuteyi
Location / Clay & Paper Theatre
Music / Missio - "I Run To You"

PS Extra thanks to Missio for permission to use their beautiful track I Run to You.

Ming-Bo Lam

Ming-Bo Lam is a dance lover and educator, with nearly 20 years of industry experience. She is recognized for her ability to lead with unwavering empathy, integrity, and courage, and her work facilitating safe and educational spaces for novice and professional movers alike.

Select credits include the Much Music Video Awards, the Toronto Raptors, NBA All Star Weekend, The Umbrella Academy, Nike Canada, fu-GEN Theatre, and Soulpepper Theatre, in addition to being featured by Toronto Life, The Kit, TO Live, and Fête Chinois. In 2023, she was listed as one of eleven Canadian Innovators and Icons in Dance, by the National Arts Centre and Shifter Magazine.

Bo graduated on the Dean’s List, with an Honours BFA, in Theatre Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she was also selected as valedictorian. She holds a Master’s in Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship degree from Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business.

Currently, Bo teaches at Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program and Toronto Metropolitan University’s The Creative School, is the founder of MING MVMT, and continues to guest teach and adjudicate nationwide. Follow her journey @love.mingbo

https://www.mingmvmt.com
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