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The world suffocates in its own self-destruction. The Spirit Callers are keeping a close watch and pray to the Four Directions, who gather and debate whether to come to the aid of humanity. The struggles of generations in past, present, and future are about to come to a close.
The Four Directions have spoken. Are our minds, hearts, and spirits open enough to hear the call?
still from In Moment. Director of Photography: Aimé Majeau Beauchamp
"In Moment" is an experimental narrative exploring a juncture in a time where people from different histories and walks of life receive a message from the Four Directions to gather as one. Through unity, they are to overcome injustice, violence, and bring peace and well being across these lands.
still from In Moment. Director of Photography: Aimé Majeau Beauchamp
Directors Statement
“In Moment” is a short experimental drama inspired by a fictional story written 20 years ago by my father through his musical project “Indigenous World”. His story explores the prophecy of the condor meeting the eagle, and indigenous nations from around the world uniting to overcome our hardships. The world is described as it is now, filled with individualism, corporate greed, ecological and human self-destruction. The Four Directions agree to gather together. Accompanied by marches and mobilizations of humans and creatures from around the world, they fight for their lives and those of the earth. In the words of my father: “With one flash of light the Spirit of Love evaporates around the world giving a new sense of hope and prosperity”. Indigenous World emerges, a place where love and music fill our souls and our streets.
“In Moment” expands on that moment of gathering. It focuses on 6 characters, all from different backgrounds, who receive a call to action. Set in a somber mood, the world around them is fractious; uprisings are commonplace, death tolls are increasing, and the ancestors visit their loved ones through dreams. However, all these characters (Jamie, Bert, Rinchen, Tenzin, Allpa, and Dakota) have a role in forming the future Three Sisters Council, whose task is to coordinate the flow of communication between all communities and facilitate decision making for the betterment of all people.
Jamie is anxious, but ready for the battle ahead alongside her sister Bert. 21 year old Rinchen has too many responsibilities weighing her down, but the belief in a greater purpose propels her. Allpa, who carries knowledge of the earth and of their ancestors recognizes the call of the Four Directions when they see Dakota’s drawing.
Through signals from the sky and the earth, even through technology, people understand that it is time to rise and converge. We see people gathering with conviction. Indigenous world is soon to be a reality. It was particularly important for me to explore what this moment may feel like. There are no words, rather, only sound, movement, and prayer, symbols, which call the characters to action.
“In Moment” is a reflection of current events, future possibilities and a reminder of our ancestors’ struggles. It could have already occurred (and has in different ways) or is perhaps a prediction of what it is to come. The use of 16mm colour film creates a feeling of timelessness, connecting the past to the present and vice versa, in a circular motion, as time does in Kichwa cosmology. Set with little dialogue, my fathers music amplifies the sense of tension and elevation. Ultimately, the film invokes a sense of urgency and unity in confronting oppressive powers. I seek to create a desire to not just join those on the screen but make this movement larger and stronger.
This short film was made possible by the ImagineNative Film and Media Arts Festival and Liason of Independent Filmmakers 2017 joint mentorship program
Day 1 of production. Photo by Matías Bó
Day 2 of production. Photo by Matías Bó
Day 3 of production. Photo by Jahmal Nugent
Director/Writer/Producer: Samay Arcentales Cajas
Director of Photography: Aimé Majeau Beauchamp
1st Assistant Director: Nakisha Millien
2nd Assistant Director: Jaene Castrillon
Production Assistant: Tyler Doré
Gaffer: Mohammad Daud
Sound Recordist: Alana Raymond
Boom Operator: Jesse Whitty
Set Design and Wardrobe: Vero Diaz
On Set Photographer: Matías Bó, Jahmal Nugent
Editor/Animator: Samay Arcentales Cajas
Sound Designer/Mixer: Sayri Tupac Muenala
Cast:
Aemilius Milo, Alexandra Barberena, Bert Pringle, Catherine Turcott, Jamie Whitecrow, lwrds duniam, Nakisha Millien, Nigel Edwards, Rinchen Dolma, Tenzin Dechen
Voiceovers:
Carolina Brown, Cheryl L'Hirondelle, Cody Escuyos, Marcos Arcentales
Extras: Ailyn Malit, Angela Vargas, Carolina Brown, Jaene Castrillon, Joel Zola, Kinoo Arcentales, Lissette Perez, Marcos Arcentales, Patricia Cajas, Rebeccah Jacobs, Ryan Hayes, Sana Saleem, Sanjeev Kugan, Vero Diaz
Thank you to: Music Arts team at Sketch Working Arts, LIFT, Niagara Custom Lab, imagineNATIVE, Coral Aiken, Jaene Castrillon, Jamie Whitecrow, Anna Kipervaser, my family, and the entire cast and crew