It's fascinating how a single word, 'Belonging,' can spark so many different stories on screen. When you search for movies with that title, you don't just find one narrative; you uncover a whole tapestry of creative endeavors, each with its own unique cast and crew.
Take, for instance, the short film "BeLonging" from 2019. This piece, clocking in at just 12 minutes, delves into a rather poignant theme: a filmmaker's struggle to find work across four countries. What's particularly striking here is the implication that his skills might take a backseat to more superficial markers like his origins, accent, or even his name. The director and writer, Gauthier Raad, along with co-writer Pamela Saadeh, crafted a narrative that touches on the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, biases that can exist in the professional world. Elie Matar's cinematography and Charelle Abdallah's editing would have been crucial in bringing this story to life.
Then there's the TV mini-series "Belonging(s)" from 2022. This one leans into history, with Grace Feng Fang Juan serving as both director and producer, and also a writer alongside Cotton Wang Huimian. The music for this series was a collaborative effort, featuring composers like Markus Kellow and Michael Tedstone. Joanne Donahoe-Beckwith handled the cinematography, and Angela How was the editor. It’s a different kind of exploration of belonging, one that likely looks at historical contexts and societal structures.
We also see a documentary short titled "Belonging (III)" from an unspecified year, directed, produced, and edited by Valentina Chamorro Westergårdh. This film poses a direct question: "When do you become Swedish?" It’s a powerful invitation to consider the complexities of identity, particularly for immigrants navigating new cultures across generations. While the reference material notes that a cast member can be added, the focus here seems to be on the filmmaker's perspective and the broader societal questions she raises.
Shifting gears again, the 2004 TV movie "Belonging" offers a more personal drama. Directed by Christopher Menaul, this 96-minute film is based on Stevie Davies' novel "The Web of Belonging" and Alan Plater's screenplay. The story centers on Jess Copplestone, who finds herself looking after her husband's elderly relatives and forging a new path after he leaves her. The cast and crew involved in bringing this story to the screen included producers Jenny Edwards and Jeanna Polley, composer Martyn Swain, cinematographer David Katznelson, and editor Jon Costelloe. Gail Stevens served as the casting director, a vital role in shaping the on-screen relationships.
More recently, the short film "Belonging and the Scene" from 2023, directed and produced by Monica Dhaka, promises a look beyond appearances. Described as a documentary that's "not just about kink; it's about breaking down barriers and fostering understanding," it aims to highlight shared humanity. This project credits Monica Dhaka as editor as well, alongside Aaron Kokolay. It's noted that this film has two cast members.
Finally, the music video "longing/belonging" from 2024, directed by Niamh Wilson and Rachael Withers, explores themes of identity and community within the queer community. Erin Purghart produced this 3-minute piece, with Saarthak Taneja on cinematography and Shalini Menon editing. Mia Oberholzer designed the production. The credits mention a significant number of cast members, including Niamh Wilson herself, known for her acting, and Kennedy Brodeur, a dancer.
What's clear from this diverse collection is that the concept of 'belonging' is a rich wellspring for filmmakers. Whether through drama, documentary, or even music videos, these projects, with their distinct casts and creative teams, invite us to reflect on what it means to find our place in the world.