Knowing Desmond
Short Films, 09-Aug-2024
A shy college student turns invisible through a surreal metamorphosis and decides to follow around her crush from her philosophy class. In Natalie Horberg’s “Knowing Desmond,” animation collides with reality to form a youthful, experimental romance. In their university philosophy class, Desmond makes some thoughtful discussion contributions to the subject of the day, “What is Love?” His classmate, Lea, eyes him from across the room. Throughout the remainder of the day, and even into dream, Lea remains infatuated, wishing to somehow access Desmond even more intimately than by simply approaching. After a miraculous metamorphosis, she becomes invisible and embarks on a silent pursuit where she observes his interactions. Upon witnessing some questionable behavior, feelings begin to change. It’s a unique exploration of attraction and the personas that exist within an academic setting and beyond closed doors. -JM. Director, DP, Editor: Natalie Horberg. Cast: Arushi Khare, Oliver Sheehan, Lucy Rossi-Reder. Producer: Georgina Goldbart. Sound: Ian Helm, Jacob Silberman-Baron. Costumes: Emily Petersdorf, Kathy Petersdorf. Locations: Norman Slate.