A Monster with Its Mouth Agape

A Monster with its Mouth Agape is an experimental film inspired by the work of Butoh master Yoshito Ohno. Its multiple forms interpret metamorphic states, radiating from monochromatic intensity to multihued abstraction, with a soundtrack that reverberates the haunting soundscapes from the chaotic post-war climate of Japan. The work features a rare audio recording of Ohno–a sonic choreography, with each movement reimagined through the moving image. As Yoshito’s influence ripples into the present, these subversive forms of dance embody a sense of timelessness and transformation, deeply rooted in Japanese archaic tradition, folklore, and mythology. CREDITS Cinematography, direction & editing by Steven McInerney Art direction in collaboration with Vincent Rang Original soundtrack by Howlround and Merkaba Macabre Spoken word choreography by Yoshito Ohno Colour grade and surround mix by Steven Mclnerney Special thanks to Keiko Yoshida and Mai.Burns Commissioned for Rebellious Bodies International Butoh Dance Festival Extra special thanks to Toshio Mizohata at Canta Co. Ltd. Supported by Dance Archive Network & Arts Council England Film services by Guage Film & Kodak Film Lab London A Psyché Tropes Film Release Copyright MMXXIV. All rights reserved EXHIBITIONS FISURA – Festival Internacional de Cine y Video Experimental. (Official Selection) Mexico City. Mexico, August, 2025 Flatpack Film Festival (Extended 20-minute version) Muther. Birmingham, United Kingdom. May 16, 2025 Istanbul International Experimental Film Festival (official selection) Turkey. May 7, 2025 Psyché Tropes Three-day residency. Project DIVFUSE. London, United Kingdom, April, 26, 2025 (Extended 20-minute version) L'Europe autour de l'Europe 2025 (Official Selection) Paris, France. April 19, 2025 LantarenVenster 4 – International Film Festival Rotterdam (Official Selection) The Netherlands, Feb 3, 2025 Cinerama 4 – International Film Festival Rotterdam (Official Selection) The Netherlands, Feb 1, 2025 Beijing International Short Film Festival, Siphon: Experimental Film Container - Beijing, China, November 24, 2024 Family Film Project #13 (Video Installation, Porto, Portugal) October 15-19th, 2024

Year

2024

Director

Steven McInerney

Duration

10 min

Country

United Kingdom

Language

Japanese