11:11
This is a work in progress…
11:11 is an experimental film that explores the nature of human souls and the intersection of technology with spirituality. This piece is meant to be experienced in a black box gallery setting.
11:11 is a cinematic exploration of existentialism, where elements of Afrorealism and Afrofuturism merge seamlessly with contemporary filmmaking. The film will be displayed in an immersive gallery setting, as three screens simultaneously present the images, forming a triangle, and becoming an iterative metaphor for change. In the film, souls are energy, wherein they travel the universe upon leaving their human bodies. The premise of the film demonstrates the antagonist siphoning the energy of humans for fuel. The character is the personification of technology: speaking in dweedle-tone and writing in QR codes. Using QR codes, the viewer plays an interactive role to decipher the character’s dialogue. Eventually breaking the cycle of the antagonist’s reign, the hero Celestial saves three human souls, at the risk of exhausting her energy, as the humans take their place alongside the celestial.
As an artist, I am conceptually drawn to Afrofuturism, Sci-Fi films, numerology, sacred geometry, and astrophysics. My artistic inspirations include John Akomfrah’s Purple, Damon Davis’s Darker Gods, Bradford Young’s cinematography, Zanele Muholi’s photography, and the ink-work macro films of Thomas Vanz. These artists share my reverence for practices and belief systems that recognize the immense potential for human greatness and empowerment.
My own artistic vision honors the spiritual nature of humankind and seeks to celebrate Black and African cultures. I believe SOULar energy is the cause for expansion of universal consciousness. Despite this intuitive truth, the most innate aspects of humankind are often lost amidst our technologically driven world. My role as a filmmaker and artist is to juxtapose sacred beliefs with the rapid expansion of technology. My desire to create a film that serves as a conscious expansion of thought is vital to the continuation of my artistic path.
Through the unique, immersive display of screens, I intend to shift paradigms about how films are viewed and interpreted. My vision is for others to develop an emotional connection with the film and pose existential questions about the binaries of good and evil, the inhumane nature of humanity, and how we are chattel of technology. The nature of man has proven countless times that we are destructive and tyrannical. Yet, there are whispers of our divinity and true nature as creators, connected to a higher power. My intent for the film will allow others to internally examine these ideologies.
I have plenty more to say about this idea, but I think this is a good place to stop. If you made it this far I think we have a lot that we can talk about. Feel free to contact me to see how far the rabbit hole goes.
DIRECTOR: JaMar Jones
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Kirby Griffin
PRODUCER: LaTonya Joyce