In Messis (Latin for “harvest”) we discover a near future where, faced with the impossibility of being in touch with a nature that’s been destroyed, and with individuals physically separated from each other by waves of pandemic illnesses, a new generation of humans seeks to find connection, meaning, and intimacy through a sacrificial ritual allowing them to join the metaverse. The title Messis evokes both the data collection inherent to the development of an ever-expanding metaverse and the immense power of technology, the true “messiah” of our time.

 Isabelle Van Grimde, Robert Desroches, Derek Branscombe (Directors)

Choreographer, founder and artistic director of the Montreal-based company Van Grimde Corps Secrets, Isabelle Van Grimde leads an international career marked by transdisciplinary collaborations that broaden the horizons of contemporary dance, and enrich the range of perceptions of the body and live performance. Since 2011, she has put digital technologies at the service of dance. An artist-researcher open to the world, she conducts theoretical and fundamental research on the body that nourishes and supports her artistic approach. She was awarded the Jacqueline Lemieux Prize by the Canada Council for the Arts for her contribution to the enrichment of artistic life in Canada and abroad.

Born & raised in Montréal, Robert Desroches grew up immersed in a multicultural and open-minded environment that nourished his passion for visual art. Following his studies in film, Rob worked as a director and photographer on creative music videos and dance projects. His artistic background had a big influence on his commercial work, notably his ability to push every image and idea to its full potential while adding his own twist.

Derek Branscombe is a Montreal-based director focusing on crafting highly finessed film and video works. After spending the first years of his career establishing himself as a cinematographer and working with some of Quebec’s artists and directors, he shifted focus to directing creative and commercial projects. His current work is categorized by a deep emotional sensibility, though still clearly informed by his highly technical skills as he loves to work with highly refined lighting and precise camera movements.

Van Grimde Corps Secrets Producer
DAVAI Co-Producer
Isabelle Van Grimde Creative director and choreographer
Derek Branscombe Director and screenwriter
Robert Desroches Director and screenwriter
Thom Gossage Music
Gabrielle Roy Key Cast “Roan”
Evelynn Yan Key Cast “Aiden”
Sophie Breton Key Cast “Finley”
Félix Cossette Key Cast
Sabrina Dupuis Key Cast
Chéline Lacroix Key Cast
Chi Long Key Cast
Emmanuelle Marti Key Cast
Marine Rixhon Key Cast