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Luck is Alive

Synopsis

The story of an African surfer who is a believer in Animism, a sensibility prevalent among surfers throughout Africa. Animism is based on the idea that everything is sentient: that inanimate objects, plants, animals or even entities such as the ocean have a spirit or a soul, often in the sense of having ‘personhood’.

The film demonstrates an animistic sensibility through the concept of luck. The line, ‘Luck is Alive’, encapsulates this way of relating to the world: a sense of the aliveness of chance, and by believing in luck and that luck is alive, luck can lead you to be lucky. In his case, luck leads him to the water, where he finds a sense of freedom he has never felt before.

The film features Damme Samb, a surfer from Dakar, Senegal – a predominantly Muslim country on the west coast of Africa.

Review

4/5
An experimental short that explores a surfer’s belief in Animism.
Written and directed by Paul Ward, ‘Luck is Alive’ is a short experimental film that explores Animism – a belief that inanimate objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. The film focuses on African surfer Damme Samb, who’s belief in luck directed him to the liberating ocean. Set in Dakar, Senegal, the film is a fast-paced creative assortment of visual splendor.

The 4-minute film opens with Samb in narration, where he introduces the viewer to Animism. The narrative centers around his belief in luck as a powerful presence that rewards him its namesake. Utilizing dice as a symbol of his good-fortune, the short experiments with cutting-edge visual effects, music and cinematography to captivate viewer intrigue. Underwater, drone and 360 cinematography – coupled with fleeting animation – makes for an awe-inspiring watch. The film concludes with a thrilling climax – the spectacular surfing from Damme Samb.

Luck is alive Short Film e1651675359333
Paul Ward (Director) has created an engrossing film that showcases an amalgamation of creative talent. High praise to Deon Van Zyl (Director of Photography), his breath-taking footage will bring envy and admiration to his peers. Gavin Coetzee’s visual effects catapult the film into a whole different level of esteem. Production design (Wendy Fredriksson), color-grading (Joseph Bicknell) and editing (Xander Van der) are equally commendable. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Paul Ward
Writer(s): Paul Ward, Peet Pienaar
Cast: Damme Samb
Producer(s): Jo Barber
Director of Photography: Deon Van Zyl
Animation: Mami Wata Creative

Specifications

Genre:
Subjects: ,
Collections: , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 5 min

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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Paul Ward
Writer(s): Paul Ward, Peet Pienaar
Cast: Damme Samb
Producer(s): Jo Barber
Director of Photography: Deon Van Zyl
Director of Photography: Mami Wata Creative

Specifcations

Genre:
Subjects: ,
Collections: , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 5 min

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Luck is Alive

Synopsis

The story of an African surfer who is a believer in Animism, a sensibility prevalent among surfers throughout Africa. Animism is based on the idea that everything is sentient: that inanimate objects, plants, animals or even entities such as the ocean have a spirit or a soul, often in the sense of having ‘personhood’.

The film demonstrates an animistic sensibility through the concept of luck. The line, ‘Luck is Alive’, encapsulates this way of relating to the world: a sense of the aliveness of chance, and by believing in luck and that luck is alive, luck can lead you to be lucky. In his case, luck leads him to the water, where he finds a sense of freedom he has never felt before.

The film features Damme Samb, a surfer from Dakar, Senegal – a predominantly Muslim country on the west coast of Africa.

Review

An experimental short that explores a surfer's belief in Animism.

4/5
Written and directed by Paul Ward, ‘Luck is Alive’ is a short experimental film that explores Animism – a belief that inanimate objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. The film focuses on African surfer Damme Samb, who’s belief in luck directed him to the liberating ocean. Set in Dakar, Senegal, the film is a fast-paced creative assortment of visual splendor.

The 4-minute film opens with Samb in narration, where he introduces the viewer to Animism. The narrative centers around his belief in luck as a powerful presence that rewards him its namesake. Utilizing dice as a symbol of his good-fortune, the short experiments with cutting-edge visual effects, music and cinematography to captivate viewer intrigue. Underwater, drone and 360 cinematography – coupled with fleeting animation – makes for an awe-inspiring watch. The film concludes with a thrilling climax – the spectacular surfing from Damme Samb.

Luck is alive Short Film e1651675359333
Paul Ward (Director) has created an engrossing film that showcases an amalgamation of creative talent. High praise to Deon Van Zyl (Director of Photography), his breath-taking footage will bring envy and admiration to his peers. Gavin Coetzee’s visual effects catapult the film into a whole different level of esteem. Production design (Wendy Fredriksson), color-grading (Joseph Bicknell) and editing (Xander Van der) are equally commendable. Highly recommended.

Recommended

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