Hundred Years Gallery is pleased to present a film by artist and activist Simona Bonomo and a solo performance by Baby (AKA composer/improviser Will Miles). The film screening begins at 4:30pm. Free entry.
The Voice of Dreams tells the intertwined story of a group of young Tunisians from different social backgrounds: Mohammed decided to emigrate to Europe. His dreams, once big, were shattered and he has returned, tragedy marking his eyes. He describes the experience with a bitter smile. Nadia would like to travel, but only as a tourist. Her biggest dream is to find a job in her own country so that she can live a dignified life without having to take the risk of travelling abroad. Ahmed is fed up of spending his days selling vegetables for only a few pennies, and dreams of finding a foreign woman to change his life. These are dreams of the breakdown of borders and the end of visas, dreams that mean that no-one else would have to risk their life in pursuit of their dream.
The documentary presents the hopes and disillusionment that are widespread in Tunisia today after the revolution, and the yearning not to be limited by unjust and meaningless borders left behind after the colonialist years. In fact, despite attempts to create an impregnable “fortress of Europe” and to deny freedom of movement, people will still find a way to “break down” borders and rid-themselves of imposed cages. Furthermore, often the desire to leave and travel is teamed with a will to return home to Tunisia and work to improve their country.
Baby is the project of musician Will Miles. Their most recent work, ‘Near Wanstonia’ – an atmospheric journey, the distillation of a rich variety of sounds – was recorded by a stretch of the A12, built in east London in the 1990s.
Almost twenty years ago, large scale protests against the construction of the road were ignored and Wanstonia was one of several ‘free states’ set up by occupying environmental activists along the proposed route.
The album, although at times resonant of sadness felt, is also a resilient, optimistic and an occasionally humorous expression of sonic life by the fast lane.
