PartUs (2021) - Joanna Vymeris and Rosie Rowlands - short hybrid film - 7 minutes

PartUs is a short documentary performance film exploring the experience of a pregnant circus artist preparing for birth against the backdrop of the pandemic. The film was written and conceived by aerialist Rosie Rowlands and directed by Joanna Vymeris. PartUs blends Rosie's aerial piece which she performed 8 months pregnant with animation by Rosa Beiroa, poetry by Elle Dillon Reams, new composition by Aelfwyn Shipton and audio interview with circus mothers discussing the complications of navigating pregnancy, motherhood, and a career as a circus artist. PartUs has been selected for various festivals including Academy Award qualifying American Documentary and Animation Festival, the London Independent Film Festival, and the Circus International Film Festival.