Wrapped Up In This was created in 2021 directly as a film, but in a theatre context. The film was presented by Take Me Somewhere as part of their online festival, and as such it was created for that purpose - as opposed to some other projects that were adapted into films.

This my first time collaborating with dancer, choreographer and theatre maker Mele Broomes, and working on a film focused on choreography. Unlike other film workflows, the music is created earlier in the process here so the choreography can be created. The sequence of events is already timed at the point of shooting, and together with choreography, presents new editing challenges I hadn’t even thought of before. This raised the importance of preparation so the camera is always in the right place at the right time, anticipating every cut in the edit-to-come.

A journey of rebirth, through a life built to care. A womxn is called upon for service, following in the footsteps of her past generation and members of the Old World. With her ancestors alongside to guide and protect her, she leads herself to the opportunity she has been waiting for. With pride, she transcends physical distance to reach her apex; her journey is euphoric, visceral, and spiritual in nature.  

A time of growth, understanding and inner battle, to fulfil the will of those who came before her, with the knowledge that one day, she too will join them in guiding a new generation of black womxn through life and love, of the self and others. This is a reflective space to listen to the present archive. The narration of vocal melodies, dance and spoken word embodies a lingering question that haunts her. She asks herself: is this the way you want me to be?

Mele Broomes