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STUDENT OSCAR WINNER 2023

SKIN

"Skin is a poetic exploration of identity and self-discovery, using visual symbolism to depict a woman's transformation into a man. With the help of her inner manifestation, the ice man, she sheds her old skin and embraces her true identity".

The short film is written, directed and shot by Leo Behrens on Kodak 35mm, starring Lio Mehiel.  

The 2023 Gold Medal Winner in the Alternative/Experimental category at the Student Academy Awards 

Official Selection AFI FEST & Oslo Fusion Int. Film Festival. 

Writer/Director: Leo Behrens 

Producer: Ilayda Cetinkaya 

Director of Photography: Leo Behrens

Production Designer: Mojo Wen

Hair and Make Up: Shy Elizabeth 

Editor: Alejandra Armijo 

Colorist: Walter Volpatto

Composer: Mike Forst 

 

A woman wakes up to find her facial skin peeling off, terrified of what's underneath. Seeking answers, she looks into a mirror. Simultaneously, a parallel world within the mirror is unveiled, representing what is about to emerge within her—a part of herself she has long ignored, frozen in ice and snow. In this ice realm, a man wakes up. As her fear of what lies behind her skin grows, this world begins to melt and come to life. Through the mirror, the ice man guides her, assisting in her transformation, shedding her old skin, and uncovering her true identity.

Stills

Skin stills image student oscar 2023
Skin stills image student oscar 2023
Skin stills image student oscar 2023
Skin stills image student oscar 2023
Skin stills image student oscar 2023 Leo Behrens
Skin stills image student oscar 2023 Leo Behrens

Core Team

Leo Behrens Cinematographer and Director Trans LGBTQ

Leo Behrens 

Writer, Director & Cinematographer 

Instagram: dp_leobehrens

dp.leobehrens@gmail.com

To see my previous work, click here

ilayda headshot_lowrez.heic

Ilayda Cetinkaya 

Producer

Instagram: ilayda.cetink

ilaydactnkya@gmail.com

www.ilaydacetinkaya.com

Mojo Wen Skin Student Oscar production designer

Mojo Wen

Production Designer

Instagram: mojo4magic

email: mwen@afi.edu

Alejandra Armijo editor Skin

Alejandra Armijo 

Editor

Instagram: alearmiijo

email: aarmijo@afi.edu

E9B5B287-B5F0-4FC0-93DA-1975C024A326.jpeg.webp

Shy Elizabeth

Make Up Artist

Instagram: theirnameisshy

Website: shyelizabeth.com

MV5BOTdkNDg2ZWUtYzExNC00ZTM4LWEyYWYtNTM3NGI5NzNkZGFjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTU5ODYzMTQ_._V1_.jpg

Mike Forst

Composer

Instagram: mikeforst

Website: mikeforstmusic.com

Director's Statement

In 2011, I embarked on a personal journey, transitioning from female to male. From a young age, I expressed myself as male, but as my body changed, I tried to conform to societal expectations. This internal conflict became increasingly burdensome, leading me to realize that my inner and outer worlds were not in harmony. This eventually led me to make changes in my life.

 

My transition inspired “Skin". As I started developing the story, I wanted to explored (gender) transformation in an artistic and creative way. Transitioning is a deeply personal process, requiring self-examination from various angles. I used visual symbolism and an abstract approach to depict this inner emotional journey. 

 

The female character undergoes an awakening, confronting her neglected identity by facing herself (the ice man). The film's theme can resonate with most individuals, regardless of gender identity or orientation. It portrays the transformative journey of shedding one's old skin and embracing a new identity, a narrative relatable to anyone who has undergone significant change. 

 

I believe the universal themes and symbolism in "Skin" speak a universal language. Personal transformation is a shared human experience. By being more self-aware, we can navigate these stages more empathetically.

Behind The Scenes

Upcoming Screenings

New York Indie Awards (Finalist) - November 17th 

International Queer Film Festival Playa Del Carmen, Mexico - November 2024

Out on Film Atlanta - October 3rd and October 6th 

Iris Prize Finalist, Wales  - October 9th 12pm

Aladerri International Film Festival Chicago, Sept 27th 2024 

Oldenburg Film Festival, Germany (Nominated) September 11th - 15th 2024

TINFF, Toronto (Nominated for 12 awards) - Sept 8th - 15th 2024

  • Instagram

Follow Skin_Shortfilm2023 for news and updates

  • IMDB

Check out SKIN on IMDb 

Media & Press

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