The Art of Change Shorts : Kindred | Directed by Samona Olanipekun
Kindred was part of the shorts series of 2018 Barbican’s “The Art Of Change” season. Samona Olanipekun explores the concept of home, identity and belonging, taking his starting point from the theme of 'Globalisation'.
Words by Samona Olanipekun –
The film charters a timeless journey that has been undertaken by thousands of people throughout time. A journey that is undertaken today. And a journey that I have taken personally through my ancestors.
The current migrant crisis has seen the largest movement of people since the end of the second world war. The wave is made up of asylum seekers and economic migrants. The majority are from the middle east but a steady number come from sub-saharan African every year. A demographic that I used to overlook, but a demographic that I share. My parents came to the UK to study in the 80’s and have since gained British citizenship and raised a family. The reason’s for making the journey were fairly obvious, but the final intended destination seems less obvious.
My journey, along with many other’s journey as a black person has been personal and ancestral. Constantly torn between the first hand experience of everyday life and living up to the expectation and our rich history.
CREDITS –
Director – Samona Olanipekun
Producer – Julie Vergez
Production Assistant – Kirsty Brady
Runners – Amy Foote, Caleb Kumiko
Dop – Tom Elliott
Focus Puller – Matt Farrant, Gary Long
Loader – Anastasia Romanchuka, Milo Brown, Richard Parsons
Camera Trainee – Klára Rychtarčiková
Sound Recordist – Luke David Harris
Soundtrack – Awo Faleke & Band
Costume – Sophia Messina, ClaireYurika Davis & Amie Wolfe
Make-Up Artist – Grace Ellington
Editor – Grace McIntee
Colourist – Jax Harney @ CHEAT
Casting Director – Tytiah Blake
Cast / Pole Dancer – Kelechi Okafor
Cast / Gold Girls – Aaliyah Aileru
Cast / Kids – Ishe & Odin Samuels
Cast / Priest – Moses Mushweka
Cast / Bata Drummers – Awo Faleke & Band
Cast / City Boy – Will Stowe
Cast / Model – Jordan Charles
Cast / Yoruba ceremony – Amie, Elaine, Ollie, Tola, Aaliyah
Cast / Border Officer – Anna Sari
Cast / Riot Police – Raul Fernandes
Cast / Woman – Mrs Sari