We Are the Same Under the Sky (2021-22, 11:09 min) is an avant-garde narrative that weaves together spoken and body language, memory, and displacement into a powerful cinematic experience. This film layers paintings and drawings over 8mm home movies from Haiti, Benin, and Jamaica, creating a rich tapestry of visual and auditory storytelling. Through the fusion of experimental sounds, invented languages, and evocative performances, the project explores the complex intersections of identity and cultural heritage.
Inspired by the techniques of silent cinema, We Are the Same Under the Sky juxtaposes musical scores with unspoken cues and textual captions, allowing a hybrid language to emerge. This language blends French, English, Haitian Creole, and Jamaican Patois, drawing deeply from Caribbean literature and myths to enrich the narrative. The soundtrack, influenced by the innovative work of John Cage, combines a diverse array of sounds—from Haitian and French influences on European traditions—seamlessly interwoven with hip-hop elements.
This film challenges conventional narrative forms, inviting viewers to experience the fluidity of language and memory as they traverse the landscapes of Haiti, Benin, and Jamaica. It stands as a testament to the shared human experience, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, and reminding us that, under the sky, we are all connected.
Material: digital painting, ink, tempera, oil paint scanned and exported to HD video on a LED monitor in a wooden box.
