The Things We Do For Love
It was an unexpected encounter. I didn’t know Abodid Saho when he approached me with a surprising request: to film a naked performance of him lighting a fire in Hampstead Heath. Intrigued by his boldness, I agreed to collaborate.
This film, created in collaboration with Abodid for his research project at The Royal College of Art, delves into the complex emotional terrain of grief and loss. My contributions span cinematography, performance, and conversation, with Abodid inviting me to participate in a performance centered on the experience of grief—both symbolic and physical loss. The result is this film, which probes unresolved emotions and memories that shape our understanding of absence and presence.
Grounded in the concept of Hauntology, the project sheds light on the intricate emotional states that arise from the intersection of memory and loss. It evokes a profound sense of longing, sorrow, and resignation, inviting viewers to question the nature of grief: Do ghosts feel jealous when we miss the living more than them? Drawing inspiration from Roland Barthes’ idea of the punctum—the poignant detail in an image that sparks a deeply personal and emotional response—Abodid turned to his own archive, searching for images that trigger vivid memories of the pivotal moments in his life. These images become portals to reflection on the experiences that have shaped Abodid, allowing him to reconnect with emotions that may have been buried.
This film, created in collaboration with Abodid for his research project at The Royal College of Art, delves into the complex emotional terrain of grief and loss. My contributions span cinematography, performance, and conversation, with Abodid inviting me to participate in a performance centered on the experience of grief—both symbolic and physical loss. The result is this film, which probes unresolved emotions and memories that shape our understanding of absence and presence.
Grounded in the concept of Hauntology, the project sheds light on the intricate emotional states that arise from the intersection of memory and loss. It evokes a profound sense of longing, sorrow, and resignation, inviting viewers to question the nature of grief: Do ghosts feel jealous when we miss the living more than them? Drawing inspiration from Roland Barthes’ idea of the punctum—the poignant detail in an image that sparks a deeply personal and emotional response—Abodid turned to his own archive, searching for images that trigger vivid memories of the pivotal moments in his life. These images become portals to reflection on the experiences that have shaped Abodid, allowing him to reconnect with emotions that may have been buried.
Directed by Abodid Saho and Garance Paule
THE FILM
A POSTCARD FROM HAMPTEAD HEATH
ARCHIVES OF ABODID
Handcrafted Backdrops, Star Props and Costumes
For more about the project visit :
https://abodid.com/whydidyoucry/
ARCHIVES OF ABODID
Handcrafted Backdrops, Star Props and Costumes
For more about the project visit :
https://abodid.com/whydidyoucry/
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