Body Burden

by Laura Madera

“Every person alive today carries approxi-
mately 250 chemicals within their body, chemicals that
didn't exist prior to 1945. This concentration of chemi-
cals every human being on the face of the earth is
called the “body burden” and it is considered our com-
mon legacy from the processes of “Development” and
industrialization." (France Queyras, Body Burden,
2000)

Rich with imagery of the natural environ-
ment, France Queyras short film Body Burden
becomes a meditation not only about her personal
struggle with metastatic breast cancer but also a dia-
logue on the state of our global environment. France
a recent graduate of Emily Carr's Film and Video pro-
gram. Her film addresses concerns about methods
used in cancer treatment as well as the interrelation-

ship between pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

The voice over narrative begins and ends with a per-
sonal reverie of childhood recalling the spraying of
pesticides in her neighborhood. There begins the link
between what is locally and personally significant to
global industry and its shady dealings. The camera
work moves from small to large, images of ants to
images of flight as the rhythm of the film moves for-

Still, Body Burden, 2000

ward. Lush scenes of water, air and fire are
enchantingly sensuous and coupled with the sta-
tistical voice narrative to create a sort of delicious
tension. Suddenly you become aware of what
cannot be seen in the world around you. -If you
have ever seen the movie Safe you will know the
type of tension that I'm talking about-. Body
Burden is a sincere film that deals with issues rele-
vant to the health of our bodies and of the planet.
You just may be inspired to look at nature in a
whole new way.

France Queyras will be participating in
Planet in Focus: Toronto Environmental Film and
Video Festival and the “Discovery” residency at
the Banff Centre for the Arts this Fall.

Body Burden
by Laura Madera

“Every person alive today carries approxi-
mately 250 chemicals within their body, chemicals that
didn’t exist prior to 1945. This concentration of chemi-
cals every human being on the face of the earth is
called the "body burden” and itis considered our com-
mon legacy from the processes of “Development” and
industrialization.” (France Queyras, Body Burden,
2000)

Hg

Rich with imagery of the natural environ-
‘ment, France Queyras short film Body Burden
becomes a meditation not only about her personal
struggle with metastatic breast cancer but also a dia~
logue on the state of our global environment. France
a recent graduate of Emily Carr's Film and Video pro-
gram. Her film addresses concerns about methods
Used in cancer treatment as well as the interrelation-
ship between pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
The voice over narrative begins and ends with a per-
sonal reverie of childhood recalling the spraying of
Pesticides in her neighborhood. There begins the link
between what is locally and personally significant to
‘global industry and its shady dealings. The camera
‘work moves from small to large, images of ants to
images of flight as the rhythm of the film moves for-

is

Stil, Body Burden, 2000

ward. Lush scenes of water, air and fire are
enchantingly sensuous and coupled with the sta-
tistical voice narrative to create a sort of delicious
tension. Suddenly you become aware of what
cannot be seen in the world around you. -If you
have ever seen the movie Safe you will know the
type of tension that I'm talking about-. Body
Burden is a sincere film that deals with issues rele-
vant to the health of our bodies and of the planet.
You just may be inspired to look at nature in a
whole new way.

France Queyras will be participating in
Planet in Focus: Toronto Environmental Film and
Video Festival and the “Discovery” residency at
the Banff Centre for the Arts this Fall.