Finding Aarti, 2021, g39
Finding Aarti is a film and sequel to the text ‘Notes from Aarti’s Diary’, commissioned by g39 for ‘Intermission’. where her original protagonist’s sister travels the galaxy in search of her sibling. Written in a series of letters, she explores her relationship with land, mythical beings and planets through rituals and language. It explores the idea that humans are not alone in unravelling oppressive systems, and that the ‘more than human’ possess knowledge and power that can help do this. It was written following commissioned conversations with Simisolaoluwa Akande (Ojumo Ti Mo) and Tina Pasotra (But Where Are You Really From? / I Choose) and draw’s inspiration from Alia Syed's 'Fatima's Letter’.
Finding Aarti has been shown at: Videotage in Hong Kong, Oriel y Bont in Cardiff, Made Gallery in Denbigh as part of the LUX Book Fair event ‘Print, Print, Print’. In 2023, it was selected for Nowness Asia’s ‘Earth Day’ programme and ‘Fake Your Death, Take a Seat’ curated by Ollie Dixon at g39. Extracts of the film and stills were included in TAPE collective’s ‘Free to Forage Zine’ and Nawr Magazine. It was also featured in a series of writing workshops on the climate crisis as part of the Lumin Journal Syllabus.
