Special thanks to
Addison Garner
Océanne Wilson-Young
Year
2025
Genre
Experimental
Artist Statement
Cheval is a non-narrative, experimental film shot on black-and-white 16mm that focuses on the horse's beauty, atmosphere, rhythm, and sensory experience. The film was shot at the horse stable in Hemmingford, a familiar place where I have been riding since I was 11 years old. My inspiration stemmed from the serene surroundings serene and desolate countryside.
I made this film as a nod to equestrianism, my favourite sport. I was beyond eager to capture the quiet beauty and presence of these gorgeous animals. Filming in the countryside allowed me to explore themes of isolation and subtle eeriness. Through image and sound, I wanted to observe how mood emerges from stillness, repetition, and environment.
This project marked several firsts for me, including my first time working with 16mm film and my first time filming animals. The qualities of analog, including its grain, instability, and texture, were integrated to reflect both the unpredictability of the horses and the challenging conditions of the shoot, which included heavy rain. Rather than resisting these elements, I embraced them, allowing tension and intimacy to develop organically.