I'm an independent filmmaker and visual artist, based in Rotterdam. In my work, I explore themes surrounding diasporic identity, migration and belonging. I like to combine narrative storytelling with an observational documentary style. Thereby incorporating a strong cinematic language, using music and animation. Besides long feature projects, I make video installations and have exhibited work in institutions like Kunsthal, Imagine IC and Tropenmuseum.
Fathers from 5314 (Working Title) - How do you learn to be a man without a father figure to guide you? Mich Simon (aka YMP) and Jay Janga (aka Big Jayzus) are two devoted dads from the South of Rotterdam (area code 5314). Growing up without their fathers, Mich and Jay had to figure things out on their own from a very early age. Now raising their own children they do everything they can to break the generational spiral. Do they manage to be there unconditionally for their offspring? An intimate portrait of masculinity, vulnerability and fatherhood.
Currently in production, expected fall/winter 2023
Prelude to a Nation - Mixed media, two-channel video installation commissioned by the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, for their exhibition 'Our Colonial Inheritance'. For this installation I used a series of flags from different countries designed by artist Navin Thakoer. All the flags are mixed with the Dutch flag and are carried by a fictitious tribe, representing different local histories but united by the Dutch colonial rule of violence & exploitation. The tribe marches through an unknown landscape while interviews and archival footage show the influence of this colonial legacy to this very day. On display from 2022-2029.
The Women of my Land - Documentary feature (2021, runtime 52 mins NTR/NPO Fonds)
Painter Raquel van Haver travels to her native Colombia in search of strong female leaders. These women are the focus of her new exhibition 'Amo a la Reina". Back in Holland, Raquel starts painting these powerful women as contemporary Mother Mary figures, as she reflects on her personal history.
Father Figure - Runtime: 25 mins, produced by NTR and Hazazah Pictures (2019)
What does it mean to be young, black and gay in today’s world? Guilliano is the founding father of The Kiki House of Angels, a vogue dance community in Rotterdam. Most of its members are young black gay men who experience racism and marginalization in everyday life. This filmic, poetic collage expresses their personal stories by combining verité scenes with vogue dance sequences, graphic interludes and intimate interviews.
Screened at Sheffield Doc Fest, Cinedans, BFI Flare Festival, DC Shorts Festival, International Queer and Migrant Film Festival, Scottish Queer Film Festival, Mix Brasil, New Fest
