Unzipping

2018·15m

Director Lisa EdelsteinWriter Lisa Edelstein

Ella and Tsiki embrace in a routine kiss when she is suddenly pricked on the lip by an unknown source - a zipper hiding under Tsiki's tongue. In the thrill of curiosity, and a chance to escape her mundane relationship, Ella pulls the zipper to reveal Jurgen lying underneath. Jurgen is the antithesis of Tsiki, and Ella finds temporary happiness in the change he brings to her life. However, as the bliss of new love fades, so too does Ella's sense of fulfillment. She pulls Tsiki's skin from its hiding place in the kitchen and longs for the man she cast aside. She sinks in the realization that happiness cannot be manifested in others; the change must come from within.To her surprise, Ella soon discovers a zipper under her own tongue. As she stares at herself in the mirror, she contemplates the difficult decision of whether or not to pull.