Work on film

Inside the Blind Iris

Directed by Douglas Bernardt & choreographed by Botis Seva. Produced by Far From The Norm x Stink Films

An experimental cinematic dance film where body language, light, VFX, camera work and graphic design are used to tell a story of oppression and the absence of belonging. Set in a dilapidated, abandoned space, which portrays the main character's confused state of mind. Choreography is used to make the dancers appear as haunting spirits that follow the main character as he journeys in search of his own self.

A commission for Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage.

A greyscale image with a large staircase- silhouetted figures walk up the steps, there are eight in total

An image of Botis Seva - it is black and white. His hair is dark and short, his expression is thoughtful, his eyes are looking slightly down

An xray type image - hundreds of veins are connected together in what looks like an explosion or the inside of an eye

A figure has strings attached to him and is being controlled like a puppet, the strings link to large hands in either corner of the image

An image of Botis Seva - it is black and white. His hair is dark and short, his expression is, concerned. He is heading for a door, but looking back at the camera.

A figure is illuminated in the centre of the image - there is complete darkness surrounding it - its arms are raised

a huge staircase spreads across the image - the image is in greyscale and one lonely figure walks up

a figure walks up to a large abandoned building - like an aeroplane hanger. The sky is setting, an is a dusty blue like colour.

a figure stands in the middle of the image. Beams of light are spreading across the floor

CAN’T KILL US ALL

CAN'T KILL US ALL unravels one man’s mental unrest as he navigates the turbulence of dealing with two global pandemics.

A theatrical experience combining Hip Hop theatre and film from dance exprimentalist Botis Seva, CAN’T KILL US ALL reveals the detoriation of one man’s emotional sanity and physical stability as he confronts life in lockdown. From reflecting on childhood memories, to reliving Black trauma, CAN’T KILL US ALL pushes through the darkness to find light, humility and peace.

CAN’T KILL US ALL is a collaboration from 3 original voices working in Hip Hop theatre; dance artist Botis Seva, film maker Ben Williams and composer Torben Lars Sylvest.

A Far From The Norm commission for CULTURE IN QUARANTINE, a partnership between Arts Council England, BBC and The Space.

A man is framed in the middle of the image, topless with a scarf over his face, tied around his neck

The camera is on the ceiling showing the same figure multiple times. One is on the side of his bed, one on the bed, another sitting with his legs off the bed and another facing the wall.

the camera is on the ceiling pointing downwards in a living room showing a topless figure led on wooden floor. He is surround by 2 sofas and a fireplace. He looks completely still.

Botis Seva is covered in blue light. He has no top on and is in the centre of the image. His eyes are closed and he looks up.

Botis Seva's face is lit with light in different types of shapes. The image is dark, and his face is neutral

Botis Seva sits on the sofa, his son Shiloh has his hands round his neck, hugging him from behind. His hand covers his face. Botis looks forward

REACH

Director Billy Boyd Cape collaborates with choreographer Botis Seva and his hip-hop theatre collective Far From The Norm in this emotional dance film. In the face of fatherhood and responsibility a man deserts his new-born child to find his own independence and freedom.

On his journey the audience peers beyond his mind and into the battle of his soul as he deals with his determination, heartache and love.

“I’m proud of the short film, it touches on something I care deeply about and I’m excited to share it” - Botis Seva

REACH was commissioned by Channel 4 Random Acts and Sadler’s Wells.

a man with short hair and a beard, topless holds his child who looks at the camera. His child is young, around 1 year old

Botis has black skin, short hair and a beard. His hands are crossed and rest on his shoulders. His eyes are closed. He stands outside, with a blurred tree behind

A man is in a trench coat, holding a large bag and looking to the camera. Behind him is a forest with leaves on the floor and trees all around.

five men stand in a studio smiling and looking at the camera.

In rehearsal, one man with short hair wearing tracksuit trousers bends his legs facing the left. Another person looks directly at him, with similar trousers but straight legs

A cream wall with green edging is in the background, and man in cream trousers and a white vest has his arms above his head and bends over his right side