Turn It Loose, Alistair Siddons’ new film following the fortunes of a group of B-Boys all the way to the Red Bull BC One in Soweto, South Africa, is set for its world premiere and in Paris on June 3. We asked the director for his take on the movie.
When you set out to make the film, what did you want to communicate about the world of B-Boying?
First and foremost I wanted to communicate the struggle inherent in the life of a B-Boy. DJ Renegade from England could not stress this enough and he was spot on. It’s a tough way to make a living, and even tougher to keep going as a B-Boy, whether because of injury, money, parental approval, environment or whatever. What I liked was that B-Boys were in it because they loved it, so highlighting that passion was very important. The discipline that it gave them, the focus, the opportunity to do something positive and avoid taking the wrong path in life is such a deeply important part of the culture that I wanted to reflect that. B-Boys put such emphasis on improving one self that ultimately I wanted to show that it is a very positive world for anyone to be part of.
What have you learned about B-Boying?
I would say that I learnt a lot and nothing at the same time. I knew a bit before I started, and I was actually intent on not getting too familiar with the more complicated, technical side of things, because I never wanted to take for granted what someone with no knowledge might not understand. So I still struggle with some of the jargon.
Having said that though, I have never stopped learning off the B-Boys I know. Not how to dance, but how to apply oneself. How to be true to oneself. It’s that side of it that really inspired me – the focus, the dedication, the originality, the drive. And that is basically how I would define a B-Boy – as some one who always wants to push themselves that little bit further. And of course as someone who can God damn dance.
Have you ever tried B-Boying yourself?
Once or twice. I actually used to enjoy dancing but had to stop completely when I started filming Turn it Loose as how the hell can you dance when surrounded by some of the world’s best? Having said that – at Lilou’s wedding last year, I was pushed into the circle. Thankfully, four seconds later, I was pushed out again – which might give you an idea of my dancing skills. When I was in Japan, Taisuke said to me: “I hope your film making is better than your B-Boying.”
What’s the best way to film a B-Boy Battle?
I think the way Chrigi from Partizan films the Red Bull BC One is how it should be filmed. He is a master. A beautiful slow tracking wide on a dolly to capture the dance in its entirety is the most important shot of all. But for me – I love the reaction of the B-Boy who is not dancing, but who is waiting, either studying his opponent or battling him in his reaction. After all, it is a battle, in this instance between two B-Boys and I think for the entire exchange, whether you are down or waiting to get down, I want to see you in the act and in the react. Capturing this allows you to tell the story of the battle. The story of the battle and the story of the dance. Is what it’s all about!
Has working on the movie changed your life?
Of course and in more ways than I know! I spent more than two years working on the film and I gave it all that I had. I learnt so much about my profession and about the world. I learnt things from the B-Boys too. They teach you to believe in your vision, your take on things, but also that you can create something out of nothing as long as you want to. It’s given me drive.
What do you think will surprise people most about the film?
Hopefully lots of things! I think the music is extraordinary. There is obviously dance music in there but there is a score by Dan Jones that captures a more serene, emotional atmosphere that continues to blow my mind. I think what might surprise people the most is how quiet certain parts of the film are. Watching Hong 10 and Ronnie train without music, spells out the pain in a way you don’t understand when you can’t hear the impact on the floor. The pressure they are putting on the bodies and what they are asking themselves to do, is frankly incredible. I hope people who know nothing about B-Boying will be nothing short of amazed at the sheer and complete artistry involved in the way of the B-Boy.
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