Night High - winner of the BMC WIA'18

Night High is a visual collaboration between highliner Sarah Rixham and photographer Dora Dc. The film encapsulates the dreamy flow state athlete Sarah Rixham finds whilst floating in untouched space on a one inch wide slackline. She uses the cover of night to explore unique urban gaps in the pursuit of this dream-like state induced by highlining.

 

I am really pleased to announce that Night High won the BMC Women in Adventure Film Competition - you can watch it below.

Directed, filmed and edited by myself.

My interview excerpt from an article that was published on the BMC website:

''Meeting Sarah at ShAFF in 2016 had a huge impact on my photographic practice; she introduced me to slacklining and shortly after I started documenting the slacklining community and lifestyle. 

When she approached me about making a film together 2 years later, I knew it was going to be something special. 

My background is in photography, and Night High was my first venture into producing, directing and editing. It certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I really enjoyed experimenting and feeling challenged. My strength as a visual artist lies in storytelling, which manifests itself across various genres, from fine art to adventure sports. I look up to Sarah a lot as an athlete, and being able to capture her essence in this film was a great privilege. Her mind and body strength are phenomenal, her perseverance - unparalleled. 

Winning the BMC TV Women in Adventure film competition was a surprise given the number of really strong submissions this year. Film is an avenue I wish to focus on more, and I’m grateful for the confirmation and encouragement that came with this award.''

Leros (I)

 A visual diary from the island in four parts.

Leros is one of six greek islands to receive the majority of refugees crossing the sea by boat into Greece. It is estimated that over 95% are Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis. Above all, 100% are humans - most of whom come from war torn countries.

Between August - September 2017, a crew of 3 filmmakers came to Leros to document the aftermath of the refugee crisis. As media attention shifted to other stories, we were left wondering what came of this small island in the Aegean Sea.

This coincided with the launch of Yellow Days Festival, a new humanitarian festival looking to bring together refugees and locals alike.

Yellow Days became a platform for celebrating diversity on this small island, forming beautiful connections and sharing a myriad of skills, ideas and good vibes. 
Unlike a home, a refugee camp is a transitory, public place that doesn’t reflect people’s personalities. Yellow Days provides everyone with a space where they can be themselves, play, sing, dance and laugh. 

A documentary I've worked on alongside Puzzleglass Films about Yellow Days, Leros and its people will be released soon.

 

 

Leros (II)

Pikpa is a disused hospital block in Leros, Greece and has been converted into a refugee centre in 2016. It offers around 120 beds for vulnerable families, the elderly, unaccompanied minors and pregnant women. 

Leros (III)

'Hotspots' are closed refugee centres established for the reception, identification, and processing of asylum seekers and migrants.

The hotspot in Leros comprises several rows of containers surrounded by barb wire and it can house up to 1,000 people. It is located on the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital that gained a notorious reputation in the 80s for the inhumane treatment of patients.

 

 

Leros (IV)