Megaflora
An experimental film shot in the sequoia and redwood forests of California that is at once an unspoken narrative, a choreographed installation, an elegy to the earth and a call to arms.
Inspired by the fragility of natural world and the desire to push the limits of interdisciplinary performance, Megaflora is the brainchild of choreographer Michael Spencer Phillips and architect Dino Kiratzidis. Following the pandemic, the co-producers set off for northern California's majestic redwood and sequoia forests to create an immersive multi-channel performance installation that juxtaposes the grandeur of the ancient groves against the increasing of naturally-occurring wildfires in scenes that are at once sumptuous, prophetic and troubling.
Phillips' choreography and Kiratzidis' attention to detail leaves the audience with the impression that the film to unfolds in a single movement, like one long breath. Megaflora is neither a documentary nor performance art, but a visual stimulant that draws us into its nook, shares its stories in whispers and acknowledges our sorrow.
Megaflora features music composed and arranged by Polina Nazaykinskaya for all ballet sequences. Immersive soundscapes were created by Darian Donovan Thomas.
NYC-based interdisciplinary artist/choreographer and co-founder of Site-Specific Dances. His work has been presented at Carnegie Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Interlochen. He holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Michigan and was honored with their alumni “Emerging Artist” Award.