Zazie Ray-Trapido

When We Encounter the World

In 1934 an experiment by an amateur-scientist couple began. Named after a genus of moths, the Automeris Project placed a group of young children in an enclosed forest, leaving them to fend for themselves. On return visits, the couple presented self-made films, accompanied by live music, depicting the outside world. For them, these images were the perfect replica of reality seen in their expeditions. Nevertheless, the films were carefully framed, edited, and manipulated to induce a transformation and provoke the development of a new society.

Treasure Hunt

In search of a mysterious treasure, three women embark on an adventure through magical and playful vignettes.

Nona

Dr. Eva Ray is 90 years old. She lives in a house by herself outside of Philadelphia. Born in former Yugoslavia, her family fled the Nazis and settled in New York. As a biochemist she worked for NASA and retired in her late 50's. She got divorced after 40 years of marriage and spent her time volunteering in local politics. After many years of independence and freedom, she now feels a deep sense of restlessness and finds herself at a significant turning point. Weaving through her memory and her present, she asks herself what she will do next in what she calls her "final chapter."

If a Tree Falls in a Forest

Set in the landscapes of Los Angeles, this hybrid documentary seeks to explore harmful cyclical occurrences that exploit natural resources and bring us closer to extinction. Following the discovery of a mysterious metal structure in the desert, this film documents the encased objects found within the structure. This film is made up of speculative recreations of the study conducted, analysis of the found objects, and surrounding landscapes.

Playdate

Playdate consists of surreal and performative reimaginings of the simple and naive games played throughout childhood.

Radium Girls

Young women toiling in a factory are exposed to hazardous material which takes a disastrous toll on their health.

A Call to Spy

The story of Vera Atkins, a crafty spy recruiter, and two of the first women she selects for Churchill's "secret army": Virginia Hall, a daring American undaunted by a disability and Noor Inayat Khan, a pacifist. These civilian women form an unlikely sisterhood while entangled in dangerous missions to turn the tide of the war.

Somewhere Else

Eight friends living in Los Angeles share their thoughts on politics, family, body, fear and dreams with the director, also part of their safe space and a foreigner from Brazil. The power dynamics of India, France, United States and Brazil are explored through the experiences of those young women navigating early adult life together in the West Coast.