On Tender Hooks

Kate Shenton, a distinguished filmmaker known for her short films, makes her feature-length debut with “On Tender Hooks,” a documentary that explores the intriguing realm of human suspension and its practitioners. Over the course of a year, Kate immerses herself in the lives of various individuals and groups who engage in this practice. Each Sunday, they pierce their skin with hooks and suspend themselves in the air, challenging even the most resilient viewers’ perceptions and tolerance. This observational documentary captures the remarkable feats the human body can accomplish. Starting with communities in London and then moving on to events in Rico, Croatia, and Oslo, Norway, the film presents a diverse array of experiences and perspectives, offering a thoughtful examination of a largely misunderstood activity. “On Tender Hooks” is a self-financed project, both filmed and edited by Shenton, and completed in 2012, exemplifying the essence of independent filmmaking.