An Afro Future Narrative for Essex

Chapter three of the three-part film: Othered in a region that has been historically Othered, 2022

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4K digital video, stereo sound

11:48 minutes (2:01 minutes excerpt)

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Edition of 3 and 1 AP

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Filmed under the M25, Thurrock, Essex.

 

The final chapter moves beneath the M25, shifting into a speculative future. An insistent voiceover, layered over a hypnotic techno rhythm—a nod to Essex’s rave culture—articulates a reimagining of the region as a space that embraces, rather than marginalises, difference. In contrast to the hostile environment of the past and present, the work proposes an alternative social imaginary grounded in inclusion and transformation.

 

The spoken refrain poses a series of propositions: what might Essex become if normative hierarchies were overturned; if the “Othered” were centred; if the anxieties surrounding difference were relinquished; and if reductive identities such as the “Essex girl” or “Essex man” had never taken hold. In this formulation, Essex is recast as a site capable of modelling a more equitable future.

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Read the published lyrics here; explore the accompanying audio here

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Commissioned by Focal Point Gallery as part of the solo exhibition titled Othered in a region that has been historically Othered, 2022. Funded by Arts Council England, Focal Point Gallery and Southend-on-Sea City Council. With support from Art Exchange at the University of Essex.

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Chapter three credits:

Conceived, written and produced by Elsa James from focus groups she held with the Black Student Societies at the University of Essex and South Essex LGBTQIA+ community members: Fanny Von Beaverhausen, Elliot Gibbons, George Morl, and Lu Williams. Film performance: Elsa James; Filmed, directed and edited: Andy Delaney; Colourist: Adrian Seery; Sound composer and designer: Trevor Mathison; Camera Assistant: Graham Tobias; Lighting Crew: Alex Wallace and Scott Wallace; Movement Director: Lea Orož; Titles: Rich With; Production Assistance: Sue Withers; Costume Designer: Symone Williams; Costume Designer’s Assistant: Allyson Williams MBE; Make-up: Jamilat Charles; Voiceover: Nathan Chaplin. All film stills: Andy Delaney.

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Screening history:

2023 - G.A.S. Foundation, Lagos, Nigeria

2023 - Birkbeck Cinema (BIMI), London 

2022 - Focal Point Gallery, Southend, Essex, UK

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