Losing is Ours: The Prologue, a modern take on the epic poem, is an introduction to a forthcoming feature-length film meditation.
This Dante-inspired work reflects on the intricacies of modern life, from the intimate to the planetary, as we do or do not relate to the different material compositions of our world. Taking the point of view of a low-frequency radio wave, we journey through materials, time zones and atmospheres as a quiet observer, folding time, contemplating the human species, flora, fauna and geology across history, both recorded and forgotten, poignantly resisting societal cynicism, and instead conjuring and celebrating the poetic imagination.
This project is a collaboration between Lee Tesche, a Florida-based artist and musician renowned for his work with the band Algiers, and Berlin-based British Nigerian writer and artist Michael Salu.
Salu's book Red Earth, which this film is intricately related to, was published by Calamari Archive in 2023.
Runtime (short film) 7:20 mins
Runtime (feature) 70 mins (approx)
Written by Michael Salu
Directed by Michael Salu & Lee Tesche
Edited by Michael Salu
Score by Lee Tesche, with support from Algiers and friends.
Cinematography by Lee Tesche, Sam Campbell, Ian C & Sinan Germi & Michael Salu
Produced by Lee Tesche & Michael Salu