In the Arms of Morpheus

A film by

the Netherlands | 82' | 06/2019 | documentary

Sleep: simple in its basic description, elusive in attempts at a comprehensive understanding of all its manifestations. What happens behind closed eyes when we lose consciousness and give ourselves over to dreams? And how is our perception of reality changed when the line between waking and sleeping is blurred? In his new documentary, Marc Schmidt introduces us to several people suffering from sleep disorders. He unobtrusively helps us see and feel what it’s like to suffer from insomnia and be trapped between dream and reality. When sleep ceases to be an automatic part of life, we find new ways of looking at our existence.

“In the Arms of Morpheus develops into a sensory experience for the viewers themselves to get a feel of the documentary’s topic, with the director aiming to visually portray the conditions of the protagonists”
Square Eyes - Karlovy Vary Documentary comp - Laurel
“In the Arms of Morpheus develops into a sensory experience for the viewers themselves to get a feel of the documentary’s topic, with the director aiming to visually portray the conditions of the protagonists”
Square Eyes - Karlovy Vary Documentary comp - Laurel

Marc Schmidt

Biography

Marc Schmidt started as a fiction film director, but gradually his love for documentary film took over. His films qualify by connecting a direct and intimate approach with philosophical reflections. Depicting the inner conflicts of his characters, the question of how we desperately try to get a grip on our existence arises. Besides his work as a filmmaker Marc Schmidt teaches at the Department Photography & Film, St. Joost Academy of Arts in Breda, The Netherlands.

Filmography

  • Guards- 2018 – feature documentary
  • The Chimpanzee Complex- 2014 – feature documentary
  • Matthew’s Laws- 2012 – feature documentary
  • Angela’s Mission- 2010 – mid-length documentary
  • Shigey, My Flame- 2009 – mid-length documentary
  • Bidcatcher- 2007 – short documentary
  • Esmiralde, Sixteen Years In 9 Scenes- 2007 – mid-length documentary
  • Photographer Without A Camera- 2005 – mid-length documentary
  • Schoolyard- 2005 – short documentary
  • Slow Start- 2002 – short documentary
Square Eyes - Director - Marc Schmidt - Square Eyes

Crew

Director: Marc Schmidt
Screenplay: Marc Schmidt
Producer: Doxy: Janneke Doolaard
Editor: Katarina Türler
Cinematographer: Jean Counet
Sound: Marc Schmidt, Carla van der Meijs, Marcel de Hoogd, Benny Jansen
Sound design: Senstudio – Senjan Jansen, Bert Aerts
Composer: Inne Eysermans
Assistant producer: Emma Kuijper
Production manager: Matthijs van de Laar

Festivals

  • Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Czech Republic (28 June – 6 July, 2019)
    Documentary Film Competition
  • Nederlands Film Festival, the Netherlands (26 September – 4 October, 2019)
    Official Selection
  • Antenna Documentary Film Festival, Australia (17 -27 October, 2019)
    International Competition
  • Beldocs – International Documentary Film Festival, Serbia (3 – 10 September, 2020)
    Breeze section

Password




Press materials

EPK: Click here

Stills, poster & director’s photo: Click here

Dialogue list English: Click here

Downloadable trailer: Click here

Press quotes

“The film begins in a fairly traditional yet beautifully shot documentary style, until the irrational realm of the dreamworld slowly trickles in. In the Arms of Morpheus develops into a sensory experience for the viewers themselves to get a feel of the documentary’s topic, with the director aiming to visually portray the conditions of the protagonists.”
Review: In the Arms of Morpheus – Chris Frieswijk