As we move into a future in which the dominant narrative moves to include a more diverse perspective, various concepts that we took for granted begin to unravel. The active process includes reflection, interrogation, unpacking and reframing. It may seem as though the flow of history leads naturally to this phenomena. To say that however, is to erase the trauma, the pain and the hard, honest, messy work put into this essential unpacking by those whose stories do not align with the rhetorical dogma of their time.

This story examines Family. The idea of the nuclear family is so central to so many ideologies that it has come to represent not only the first layer of public life, an introduction to and a microcosm of society and its functions, but a support system, a source of infinite pride and power. Diversions from the perceived norm - two parents and their children - tend to warrant presumptively neutral prefixs like ‘single-parent’ or ‘same sex’. Inversely, a lack thereof, or worse, a breakdown of the structure, traditionally invites shame, loss and mourning. Add the layer of shame projected by those who fear the breakdown of their own nuclear systems, and the experience of a member of a family that doesn’t reflect the perceived norm, holds the potential for increasing pain and hopelessness.

Our want to subscribe to western ideals and their strong Christian foundations, hidden so well behind veils of respectability and dignity, create a brain vacuum in which many of the alternative realities, so close to us geographically, so distant in the realm of thought, fall away as practical ways through which to understand the world.

Our aim with this film and series of images is simply to depict the potential for joy that a family holds. This is by no means all encompassing, nor does it reflect joy in all of its iterations. This is pure love in a young nucleus. Touch and intimacy sit at the centre, reflecting different nuclear relationships. The story shows the potential for good that the nucleus holds, both speaking to history - imagery and of ideals - while gently bringing the idea of family into the present.

Production, creative direction and styling Mikhailia Petersen
Photography and creative direction Hylton Boucher
Film Jeremy Pelser
Hair and make-up Justine Alexander
Art department and words Luke Bell Doman
Production assistance Alex Paterimos
Fashion Babette
Cast Sibongile Tete, Tatenda Tete, Kupa Mbayiwa, Rudo Mbayiwa

Published on 17/10/2019