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Fortunate is the stone which rest where its matter lies.
Jose y Gasset Ortega, 1973
Buy Prints
Commission
Fortunate is the stone which rest where its matter lies.
Jose y Gasset Ortega, 1973
Director: G O K E
Sound: Thomas Crowley
Production in association with UCL
Format: digital media
Duration: 6 mins 29 seconds
Year: 2025
An exceptional dancer, friend, and collaborator, his work will to perform is a testimony to his pursuit for freedom. Noa Prempeh can be found here.
Director Statement
The genesis of this film lies in a serendipitous meeting at a mental well-being workshop for Black men in East London. There, amidst painting paper hats and shared stories, I met Noa, a dancer whose movements spoke volumes about resilience and expression. Our collaboration became an exploration of play—a concept often stripped from Black male experiences due to historical and societal pressures.
Through repeated dance performances in UCL's Black Box studio, we delved into the interplay of movement and emotion. The camera became a tool of discovery, capturing the nuances of Noa's expressions and the silent dialogues between us. Inspired by Maya Deren's cinematic philosophies, we sought to traverse space and time, allowing the dance to narrate its own story.
However, the institutional environment presented its own challenges. Noa's entrance into the academic space was met with subtle resistance, a reminder of the systemic barriers that persist. Yet, within the confines of the studio, we created a sanctuary—a space where roles blurred, and mutual respect fostered genuine connection.
Our journey wasn't without tension. Balancing the desire to authentically represent Noa's artistry with my own creative instincts required constant negotiation. Initially envisioned as a silent, black-and-white piece, the film evolved to incorporate the very music that fuels Noa's performances, acknowledging the inseparability of sound and movement in his expression.