South Plug presents:
CORTEX SHORT FILM
More than just a trailer, this audiovisual material serves as a micro-documentary that delves into the universe of CORTEX, a creation by Kianí del Valle known for its visceral nature and multidimensional narrative. This piece offers an intimate view of the project, through a meticulously crafted visual narrative, Kianí’s voice and the artists who collaborate in this project act as guides in this short documentary film that explores the central concepts of the work: grief, the cycles of life and our infinitude as human beings.
Kianí describes CORTEX as a live short film that is intense and gripping, taking the audience through emotional highs and lows. TAYHANA, the music collaborator on the project who composed an original sound score for it, adds, “It’s vertiginous, it doesn’t let you breathe. It moves you between emotional extremes, as if one moment you want to cry and the next, you get dizzy.”
The emotional potency of CORTEX, Kianí del Valle’s 5th ensemble work with her KDV PERFORMANCE GROUP, has deeply impacted those who witnessed its premiere last summer in Barcelona. Co-commissioned by Sónar and CTM, the project had its successful premiere at the Sónar Festival and is now gearing up for a new stage at the esteemed and respected CTM Festival in Berlin, with shows this next January 31st and February 1st at the legendary theater Volksbüehne.
This exclusive South Plug short film serves as a gateway to unveil the essence of CORTEX, offering audiences an in-depth preview before their live performances at the CTM Festival.
Known for its experimental approach and ability to showcase the best of contemporary music and performance arts, the CTM Festival provides an ideal platform for CORTEX. This short film not only offers a glimpse of what to expect at CORTEX’s Berlin debut but also captures the essence of the piece for those intrigued by the creative process behind this immersive experience.
Visual Art and Motion
A fusion of visual art and movement lies at the heart of CORTEX, featuring the incredible visual work and technological approach by HAMILL INDUSTRIES a Barcelona based duo composed by Anna Diaz and Pablo Barquin who have been collaborating with Del Valle for some years now. Drawing inspiration from the diverse disciplines it’s exactly what has influenced and stands out in Kiani’s artistic journey. She reflects, “I come from a family of actresses and musicians, with a childhood deeply immersed in visual arts.” While her passion lies in dance, her work remains a continuous interplay with visual arts, music, nostalgia and lost futures, and all of this is evident in both the audiovisual content and its staging of her works.
“I focused on building an emotional mood that complemented each movement”, explains TAYHANA.
What will we see at CTM?
For those wondering what to expect at the CTM Festival, this short film we present today about CORTEX offers an exclusive preview, a sneak peek that captures its emotional intensity, artistic depth and universe of the work, before its big Berlin presentation.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming CTM Festival, where CORTEX is set to make its mark against the vibrant backdrop of one of the world’s most dynamic cultural capitals.
Get your tickets here.
CORTEX Cast & Credits
Director & Choreographer: Kianí Del Valle
Dancers & Co-Creators: Alvin Collantes, Amanda Donato, Nana, Kianí Del Valle
Creative Technology: Hamill Industries ( Anna Díaz & Pablo Barquin )
Original Sound Score : Tayhana
Creative Process Dramaturg & Assistant Choreographer: Rubén Nsue
Creative Producer & Conceptual Dramaturg : Elizabeth Hinojos
Project Manager & Producer : Masha Mitroshina
Costume Styling : Lenard “Lenni” Schnitzler
Light Designer: Catalina Joy
Production Assistance: Irene Arcas
Internal support KDV: Bence Ungvári
Acknowledgments partners: Fire Creative Puerto Rico & Tourist Official Berlin
