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ICON is about creating an image, an unattainable 'icon' of perfection that is pursued in vain. We are confronted with this again and again, just like the characters in this film. In the world they have created, they discover their imperfections and project them onto the 'icon' that they have designed themselves. They give her the form she cannot achieve, a form of this perfect image that can last only a short time. An endless exercise in repetition, in heightened expectations, in the self-imposed expectation of perfection that can never be fully achieved.

This pursuit of perfection is something that reflects our society in many different ways. These expectations are further reinforced in the dance and film industry. The constant internal and external pressure to be the best, to live up to a beauty standard and to be a model of perfection creates enormous pressure on the self-image. As a result, we create an ideal for ourselves that we almost adore but momentarily despise, because it highlights all our shortcomings. We have to be better, faster, more beautiful. The form and content of the film emphasize and abstract this inner struggle.

International premiere: Utah Dance Film Festival
Dutch premiere: Cinedans 2019

Thanks to:
Melissa Knollenburg
Roel Happel
Bruno Klok
Mees Borst
Menno Boere
Manda Productions
Gemeente Utrecht