Dance We Do
Overview
Dance We Do is an afro-surrealist animated film exploring themes of identity, dance, transformation, and ancestral connection through a mystical fantasy.
About
The film employs motion capture technology and the Unreal game engine to reimagine the traditional Ekombi dance of Nigeria’s Efik people.
It bridges ancestral tradition with contemporary digital tools, creating a space where cultural heritage is preserved through new media.
Process
The original vision for the film was to be a linear story, where the viewers observe a protagonist’s journey from everyday disillusionment to spiritual awakening, facilitated by a celestial being and a community communicating through fluid movement.
However due to a short window to create the film and technical challenges involved, We decided that our energy would be best spent on achieving:
- Successfully capturing and digitizing Ekombi dance movements
- Creating digital avatars that maintain the fluidity and cultural essence of the dance
- Developing a unique visual aesthetic blending traditional and futuristic elements
- Producing a soundtrack that combines traditional west african rhythms with drum and bass highlighting our mixed Nigerian-British heritage
Reception
Credits
- Creative Technologist — Lex Fefegha
- Unreal Developer — Olivia Ema
- Producer - Mediale
- Festival — Digital Body Festival