April 19, 2024 |
London-based production studio Kloss Films has joined forces with director duo, Sioh, and friends of 10, Hale Zero to create two short films inspired by heritage, youth and the pursuit of dreams. Screening One Day and Kubolor at an intimate event held yesterday at London’s May Fair Theatre, with the support of Don Julio, the event marked the official directorial debut of Sioh co-founders Cherif Doumba and Ottawa Kwami.
Shot in Ivory Coast and Ghana respectively, the films are stellar examples of the up-and-coming pair’s storytelling talent. Speaking on the content of each film, Kloss Films founder, Alec Maxwell explains, “One Day is partially biographical as the main characters in the film face expectations from family to seek an educated and therefore better life. The second film, Kubolor, tells the story of an aspiring rapper trapped in a culture of orthodox traditions. However, the rapper is resilient and doesn’t let society stop him from achieving his dream.”
Why was it so important for Kloss to work on the post-production of these films? Maxwell says, “I live by the saying ‘the best way to get ahead is to get started’ and I could see the boys bringing this to fruition. The scale of their production was ambitious for first-timers. The quality of their imagery shows so much potential. To see Africa captured this way, by young African creatives is exciting.”
The project is another exceptional undertaking in a long line of collaborations between Maxwell’s creative studio and Hale Zero, the brainchild of brothers Carl, Rafael and Greg Haley, who composed original scores for the film. Speaking on what makes the two such a strong partnership, Maxwell says, “There is a great synergy between Kloss and Hale Zero, whether working on original music for films or curation of music for live experiences with the Kloss Community. There is a flow and trust within the process of working together. Working together on the two Sioh films and the screening afterparty was a no-brainer.”
One Day and Kubolor will be available for viewing across the film festival circuit this summer with specific screenings yet to be announced.
Photography by Daniel Lindegren and Stephen Akinyemi.
