The new short dance movie clip by Matt Earl exploring identity, and how your surroundings shape who you are – the way you move starring gorgeous Malaika Salatis.
“Malaika has recently moved to Sydney from the Reunion islands, evident in the track we’ve used, which is a reunion song sampled and recreated by producer Seywood. We celebrated identity, how combining your experience in new environments and your roots of dance and culture make you who you are.” explains Matt. “The city – motivating strength and the pace of it all through hip hop. Nature – a new environment where the beauty and power of nature is reflected in the contemporary style of dance. Your roots – what you know, your culture and your home. Seen throughout the video as Malaika performs the traditional Maloya dance.
Malaika on the video: “I think it is about the feeling of belonging and a sense of pride. I can’t say I have ever met a person who wouldn’t give a moment of their time to tell you about the beauty of the island. Perhaps because those courageous enough to leave and experience the world, very soon come to realize the unique chance they had to have grown up in such an amazing place.
Some of us might start missing the sunrise over the mountains, the colours of the fruits and spices at the market, the smell of wood-fire in your grandparents’ yard on a Sunday lunch, the balmy 20 degree days during our winter (and we still complain about the cold), the stunning sunset at the beach; the churches, mosques and temples that line the roads or the food, which like its people, is a melting pot of different cultures yet undeniably Reunionese.
But for me, I miss the feeling of freedom to be myself.”
Starring: Malaika Salatis – @malaika_slt
Director: Matt Earl – @mattxearl www.matt-earl.com
Cinematographer: Mitch Ayers – @notoriayers www.mitch-ayers.com
Musical Score: Sam Cooke – @seywood_ soundcloud.com/seywood1
Editor: Matt Earl
Colorist: Mitch Ayers
