SYNOPSIS
J. Style’s main form of communication is movement. Using his own language he navigates through environments embodied by a myriad of profound emotions ranging from solitude to anger, love to abandonment. Our protagonist gives first-class access to his most vulnerable facets.
The first chapter begins in a laundromat with a handful of clients. While the protagonist ventures through the environment nobody takes notice of him. Until he is seen by another idealist, a child.
We are then catapulted in a world transformed by the dark thoughts and vices any creative could encounter during their journey. Fears, doubts and addictions materialize into one elongated movement performed over dissonant and disturbing vocals.
Our main character takes a short break before the next chapter. Having gone through strong and difficult emotions, he takes time to gather his thoughts privately. In the following chapter, J. Style regroups with his peers in a scene that is expressed with “NO FILTER”.
His tribe plays an extensive role in the way he deals with adversity. They are a reminder of his intrinsic motivations and what keeps him from succumbing to his sombre thoughts.
As depicted in the first scene, J. Style’s path is not unfamiliar to obstacles. He frequently deals with accumulated anger and bitterness. But it would be a disservice to himself and his peers to lash out at others. Fortunately, his friends provide a safe space for him to express his anger without judgement or repercussions.
This tribal section is then abruptly interrupted. Leaving space for a new emotion to surface.
This final chapter places J. Style back in his hometown, where he is left to face the reality of a situation he has been avoiding. A one-way relationship between himself and T2WN (The Woman Without a Name).With his back literally against the wall, he paints a picture like no other on a used canvas. Tainted by the past of this very relationship. As his silhouette moves such a paint brush, residue of love and longing ooze out of his pores, as he expresses how it felt to be ignored, dismissed, shut down and led-on to be shut down again.
K A N K: A VISUAL EP
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
K A N K: A VISUAL EP is an experimental short-film segmented into four chapters. As the viewer, we experience a visual representation of the different worlds through which our protagonist, J. Style, goes through as a creative on a regular basis. This project addresses the importance of a supportive entourage and the vices of an artist amongst a few other subjects.
My inspiration for the short-film came from Rap mixtapes. Being a huge fan of Rappers and their music, several projects became soundtracks to portions of my life. Therefore, I decided to mold this dance mixtape into what came out as an experimental short-film where each chapter is a song.
The decision for having a movie score that only consists of Chopped and Screwed, a music genre from Houston Texas, was because of the sentiment it brought out. In my jargon we would describe it as, “a vibe”. But in Layman's terms, as a professional urban dancer this genre communicates many relatable emotions in a way that corresponds to my artistry. And my goal was to use my movement to compliment the music but also tell parts of my story.
A great amount of K A N K is displayed in slow motion. My fascination with The Weeknd’s music videos is to blame. Many of his videos undergo the same effect. However, he still sings according to the lyrics, which are at normal pace. This effect captivates and intrigues me greatly.
The absence of dialogue is justified by my desire to speak using my most honest form of communication, movement. Dance being the common language between Frédérique, Ja and myself, it became important to convey my message using our abc.
K A N K is my first successful attempt at a short-film. I’m now 25 years old and have never really focused on putting together a similar body of work. I have always prioritized honing my skills as a performing artist. This short-film granted me the opportunity to start looking for my voice as an actor, director and writer.
My evolution as an artist has made it clear that in order to have substance you need to live. Your experience will live through your art and I decided to take it to the screen.
THE D.O.P
JA JAMES “JIGSAW” BRITTON JOHNSON is an artist with an extensive knowledge of various street styles, with a focus on hip hop and Krump. He began to learn hip hop from 2marvelous then ventured to pursue krumping in 2006 after watching the documentary film “RIZE”- which led him to want to learn more about the culture and to help him begin his path towards years of dedication and discovery. After 12 years dedicated to his art, and with that hard work and dedication Jigsaw has become one of the new generation of leaders of Krump in Canada, he is a part of MKA (Montreal Krump Alliance) a nonprofit dance organization, he has been accepted into Ebnfloh dance company led by Montreal’s Hip Hop pioneer Alexandra 'Spicey' Landé.
For 4 years he has performed in the 100Lux festival, twice for Juxtapose led by Saxon Fraser, he has performed in the international Hip Hop theatre festival “Breakin’ Convention” in Toronto in the summer of 2017 with Juxtapose. His motto is to always continue to create, progress, be honest with yourself, be conscious of your growth, remain dedicated to your passion, research and elevate yourself and others.
THE DIRECTOR
FRÉDÉRIQUE “P.A.X” DUMAS is a multidisciplinary artist and director. Starting her artistic career as a dancer specialized in Hip Hop freestyle, she has performed and taught on many international platforms. She has a passion for bringing artistic mediums and creating immersive experiences, her many fields of interest include dance, design and film.
BEHIND THE SCENES
BY SIN’CERE
