STATIONARY PEACEFUL PROTEST

By Shiyi Li, Xhosa Cole

This animation was commissioned by and in collaboration with BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018 winner, Xhosa Cole. Following Xhosa's spoken narration and music, I use abstract geometric shapes, animations and symbolism to illustrate his experience attending the Birmingham Black Lives Matter March in 2020. This film truly reflects Xhosa's position and perspective as young man at the intersection of blackness and Queerness. While I was animating, I felt a strong connection and visceral reaction to his emotions, which allowed me to take a step closer and see the reality and some of the subtleties of individual and institutional racism. Although one person's power is small, I do hope that this short film and its bold message can reach and touch people from all walks of life inviting them into someone else's view of the world in which we live.