The Soldier

The Soldier consists of 5 ultra-short films; modern, cartoonish impressions of the stereotype of a soldier. A G.I. Joe moving in front of clearly visible green screens with the background as a space for his experience. Black-and-white snapshots of his subconscious. A navigation system through interiors of corridors, hotel rooms, an animated character moving closer.

This soldier breaks through the 4th wall and starts talking to you. In a play with distance and proximity, switching between compassion and alienation, between comedy and tragedy. In a mix of photographic images of postcards from typical 20th-century war films: the soldier on the bridge with a cigarette in his mouth.

The Soldier was created by filmmaker Martin Kers, director/choreographer Kristel van Issum and Flemish composer Han Stubbe (known for the Antwerp band DAAU). American dancer and choreographer Johnny Lloyd plays the title hero. Together, they explore reality in games, postcards, film trailers and commercials. They explore this deeper recess, the blending of different realities, as this soldier practices a survival mode through computer games.

The Soldier could be seen at November Music in 2019, at Pand-P in 2020 and online at Cinedans Fest in 2021.