the in-between

What does she see?
The box stinks.
She eats first.
I eat second.
We gear up and we’re off.
It smells so good out here. I want to stay.
He’s dirty from the woods.
Another drink.
Another treat.
He goes to work.
I go to sleep.
What does she do?

A squirrel, a ribbon, a piece of cheese, a doorstop, a fly caught in between the window screen and glass. Over the past year I can’t help but absorb the curiosity of my new family members, Muji the dog and Lani the cat. They bring attention to little moments and energize the mundane, time that I normally miss. This film aims to capture those moments of “in-between.”

During the pandemic, my days have consisted largely of being in my house and going for walks in the woods. Most of my social interactions are with my fiancé, my cat, and my dog. This film feels timely because it is recording the world of what I am exposed to day after day, and as monotonous as it is, I am finding inspiration in it. In Improv Comedy, there is an idea that everything you need to create a great scene is right in front of you in your partner. With this in mind, I have created this film.

Through the eyes of my dog, Muji, I reflect on the moments of in-between. I often wonder what Muji is thinking about and what captivates his attention during our walks in the woods or while he stares out the window. I admire his excitement about playing in mud or eating a stick or rolling on the floor. Maybe I’m just projecting. Even still, he helps me to slow down and see what is right in front of me. Through this process, I am able to appreciate the beauty in my everyday routine.

My inspiration is not only within arm’s reach, it is my lived experience.