- The spellbinding, visual poem Cocoon takes the viewer through the internal battle of a woman's soulful search for inner beauty. Cocoon explores the dark pressures of society, depression, self-esteem and body image. Inspired by the poem Barbie Doll, written by Marge Piercy. Poet and film writer and director, Boender takes a shocking, realistic look at the self-doubt and pain women often face on a daily basis but are too ashamed to share. This haunting, short film reveals what happens when one's obsession with imperfections destroys the real and imagined self.—Anonymous
- Cocoon (Boenders poem and subsequent film) is based on Marge Piercys Barbie Doll. In her poem, Piercy takes an honest look at the everyday struggles with identity that all women face, choosing to focus on a women who is overtaken by her imperfections. In Boenders poem and film, these insecurities manifest in a woman constantly struggling not to drown in her insecurities. The action opens with what looks to be a beautiful woman brushing her hair and putting on her jewelry in a formal and flowing white dress. It quickly becomes clear, however, that all is not as it seems on the outside. We see the woman try to escape herself in each scene by running to places of solitude: her vanity in a field, the bathtub in the barn, and her own house. As she stops at each place, she attempts to purge herself of the pain and despair she constantly faces. Feeling voiceless against these forces, she is quickly overcome with anger, sadness and frustration in settings that used to bring her joy. As she writes her own lyrical poem, the most wrenching moments of her life flash before her eyes. The film ends with the woman deciding she can no longer live with the pain society has inflicted on her. Boenders powerful short film is an urgent call to find means of self-expression rather than succumbing to despair.
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