Short Film - Stillstand:ing

What is it about?

Stillstand:ing is an experimental short film that harnesses the modern circus through the use of aerial silks to delve into the emotional landscape of a circus artist confronting uncertainty. Through motion and suspended stillness, the film captures the emotional landscape of resilience, struggle, and transformation in challenging times. Duration: 5 min.

During Austria’s longest lockdown in early 2022, Annika envisioned a short film that would merge her deep passion for circus arts with her growing fascination for video production and storytelling. With the support of the BMKÖS (Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, the Civil Service, and Sport), she was able to bring this vision to life. The project came to fruition between late 2022 and 2023, blending artistry and film in a unique creative journey.

Annika Hakala, originally from Finland and now known as the ‘Finnish Viennese’ for the past 10 years, has spent 16 years traveling the world, performing in large show groups and showcasing her solo acts. She has graced numerous national and international variety houses, theaters, and stage productions. Although Annika holds an academic degree in social sciences, she has wholeheartedly dedicated her life to the arts and culture, transforming her childhood passion for circus arts into a thriving career.

Over the past few years, her love for film and video production has blossomed through several independent short video projects. A significant source of inspiration and support in her creative journey is her partner-in-crime, Georg Froschauer, a media technology and digital arts graduate from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Hagenberg.

The film is being submitted to various film festivals throughout 2024 and is set to be released on a video screening platform in 2025.