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Magic makers Born from the minds of Joel Claudio, Joel Maisanda and Amos Mukombero, Rebirth – the 2024 Stories in Motion scripted short winner – is a highly stylised take on a cultural renaissance
oel (pronounced Joél) Claudio, Joel Maisanda and Amos Mukombero aren’t just creative collaborators; they’re ‘cultural tastemakers’. Based in London, the trio form the studio Us.Man.Dere (UMD), striving to ‘challenge the status quo’ and create human- centred multimedia art and experiences. Rebirth – which topped the scripted short category at this year’s Stories in Motion competition – is the most recent example of UMD’s unconventional- yet-impactful storytelling. Directed by Claudio, co-directed and written by Maisanda and produced by Mukombero, the short was a labour of love, taking years to procure funding and eventually get made. A departure from the team’s branded work, the film held a deeper, more personal meaning for UMD. A five- minute slow-motion film with a strong audio-visual style, it borrows inspiration from the Sistine Chapel and ties this into social commentary. “What was our renaissance?” asks Claudio. “The 2011 London riots were our renaissance.” Rebirth begins there. All in this together Claudio, Maisanda and Mukombero met a few years ago through mutual friends, later merging their collective backgrounds in fashion photography, writing and events management into a singular creative vision. When Rebirth was still in ideation, the team again leaned on their existing connections; “We impressed and surprised ourselves with how much you can get when you reach out into the community,” admits Maisanda. “It was a powerful experience, realising how much
LET’S MAKE A masterpiece THAT WE CAN USE IN OUR portfolio ” of what you need in terms of manpower is already out there. You’ve met them before.” The team tapped friends and friends-of-friends, including DOP Charlie Knight and composer Sam Howard- Brown, to assemble their crew. This same community also played a crucial role in funding the film. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” shares Mukombero. “We’re surrounded by extremely talented people, and we were proud to be able to provide an opportunity for our community to get together and really shine. Look to your neighbour,” he urges, “and not someone that’s five doors ahead. You never know what they could bring to the table.” This ‘love thy neighbour’ attitude extends even further, as the team is always looking to pave new paths for emerging talents. Instead of waiting for the dream commission, “let’s make something that’s a masterpiece that we can use in our portfolio, to open doors to our younger selves,” Mukombero recalls thinking. “That’s kind of our motto.” Putting
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