MEANWHILE
A film by Catherine Gund
2024, 88 minutes
2024, 88 minutes
No. 463
Documentary
Documentary
Description
Meanwhile is a docu-poem in six verses about artists breathing through chaos. In dynamic collaboration, Jacqueline Woodson (text), Meshell Ndegeocello (soundscape), Erika Dilday(support), M. Trevino (structure), and Catherine Gund (direction), combine artists’ expressions with historical and observational footage to unveil a rare cinematic meditation about identity, race, racism and resistance as they shape our shared breath.
Centering breath as a symbol of resilience, Meanwhile captures raw, unfinished moments —dancers in rehearsal, artists midway through their work—focusing on the act of creation. Rooted in the upheavals of 2020, the film uses breath as its through-line to symbolize collective survival. It invites viewers to witness the process of liberation and be present in the “meanwhile”—a moment of creation, struggle, and hope that transcends fixed identities.
Festivals
Official Selection, Margaret Mead Film Festival
Official Selection, NewFest
Official Selection, Thessaloniki Film Festival
Official Selection, The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival
Reviews
“‘Meanwhile’...feels like both a provocation and a request to consider what flourishing looks like in this chaotic moment — for Black Americans, and for anyone who finds themselves drowning, struggling to breathe.”- The New York Times
“A gorgeous, quietly energetic, and moving meditation on Black resilience and world-making in the face of interminable violence.” - The Brooklyn Rail
“ ...this ‘docu-poem’ essay film is an essential experience right now...” - Nonfics
