Ammonia : A Sadlers Wells Commissioned short film

Aṁṁonia draws inspiration from Pina Bausch’s work, exploring the hidden power dynamics within society. The film follows two cleaners who, through the possessions they find in a messy hotel suite, begin to imagine and embody the lives of the guests.

Choreographed by Emma Farnell-Watson and Kieran Lai, the movement reflects how objects shape character, power and ways of moving. Directed by Joe Connor, it delves into class boundaries and the unseen structures that confine people, using dance to express what’s often hidden from view.
 
This film is part of The Classics ReFramed commission series. After a public call out in early 2024, three artists were selected to create a short dance film which takes inspiration from a classic piece of work and reimagines it for our time.

Emma Farnell-Watson presents
A commissioned by Sadlers Wells

Choreography by 
Emma Farnell-Watson and Kieran Lai

Concept by 
Emma Farnell-Watson, Kieran Lai and Joe Connor 

Dancers 
Emma Farnell-Watson and Kieran Lai

Director
Joe Connor

Director of Photography
Mike McMillan

Stylist
Taff Williamson

Editor
Jacques Simon and Pablo García

Composer 
Jonny Colgan

Production Manager
Kayleigh Umfreville

Camera & Steadicam Operator
Archie Muller

Focus Puller
Onur Ozden

Sound Recordist
Luke Finn

Camera Trainee
Paula Gal

Hair & Make up
Beyana Angelova

Colour Grading
George Kyriacou

Colour Producer 
Jamie McCubbin

Sound Design
Diana Amando

Sound Design Producer
Suzy McGreggor & Natalie Curran

Foley artists 
 Cobblestone Foley

Edit Producer 
Noreen Khan  

Post Production Company
Magic Pie VFX Manchester

VFX Artist
Andy Galloway & Texas Loveday

BTS photographer
Jay Kasitz

Special Thanks 
Aurora Tosi - EP Special Projects at Unimatic
Rosie Gillespie - Senior Pr at Wolf and Badger
All at King Lear Sound, Black Kite Studios, Trim Editing and Rogue Films. 

Commissioned by
Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage & Studio