The ‘Wild Turnpike’ is based on excerpts from THE BYZANTINE CHANTS (sacred concerto for solo cello) and I BELIEVE (prayer for solo violin and string orchestra). The film follows a young woman on an Odyssey-like journey down a thickly wooded country road. In four intense vignettes, she encounters and dances with various surreal and colorful characters. Lauren Starobin confessed: “I have listened to Margarita’s music almost constantly, no matter where I was: while I was traveling on the bus or in the subway, even while crossing the ferry. Each subsequent hearing gave me a boost to what the film should look like in detail. The ‘Wild Turnpike’ features a sweeping score by the contemporary composer, Margarita Zelenaia, choreography by Abbott Award Honorée Jenn Rose, editing by Emmy Award winner Michael Starobin and photographic directing by ‘Steps on Broadway’s resident videographer Jacob Hiss. The film features dancers Anica Bottom, Sanford Placide, Suzie Rzecznik, Alessandra Ramnarine and Lauren Starobin, with artist and performer Oleg Mindiak.” Story written by Lauren Starobin. Choreographed by Abbott Award Honorée Jenn Rose. Cinematography by Jacob Hiss and Justin Woo.