“Luck Is Alive” by Paul Ward
Featuring acclaimed surfer Damme Samb, “Luck Is Alive” tells the story of an African surfer who is a believer in Animism, through his belief in luck, he is lead to the water where he finds freedom.
Animism is based on the idea that everything is sentient: that inanimate objects, plants, animals or even entities such as the ocean have a spirit or a soul, often in the sense of having ‘personhood’.
The film demonstrates an animistic sensibility through the concept of luck. The line, ‘Luck is Alive’, encapsulates this way of relating to the world: a sense of the aliveness of chance, and by believing in luck and that luck is alive, luck can lead you to be lucky.
In his case, luck leads him to the water, where he finds a sense of freedom he has never felt before.
From the Director
“Luck is Alive, was filmed over 10 days in Dakar, Senegal. It was a beautiful fluid and creative process bringing to life this unique story. Inspired by deep research and understanding, Peet Peinaar (Creative Director of Mami Wata) approached me with the story of an African surfer, and believer in animism.
The story immediately grabbed me, and over a few months, Peet and I developed the story and world we wanted to create around it.
A complete mix between reality and surreality. Through the love and dedication of great collaborators from all departments "Luck is Alive", was born.”
—Paul Ward
Credits
STARRING
Damme Samb
CREW
Director: Paul Ward | @iampaulward
Creative Director: Peet Peinaar | @peet.pienaar
Production Company: Giant Films, Stink Films
Executive Producers: Emma Lundy, Cindy Gabriel, Martina Luelsdorf, Paul Ward
Producer: Jo Barber | @jobarber
Story: Peet Pienaar
Researcher: Hana Sho
Director of Photography: Deon van Zyl | @deonvnzl
Production Art Director: Peet Pienaar | @peet.pienaar & Wendy Frederiksson | @_wendingmachine_
Costume Design: Peet Pienaar & Wendy Frederiksson
Underwater Cameraman: Calvin Thompson
Senegal Service Company: Senegal Fixers
Senegal Producer: Meissa Seck
Equipment: Panavision
POST PRODUCTION
Editor: Xander van der | @xander_vander
Editing Company: Strangelove
Post Producer: Bevil Schwartz
Grade: Company 3
Colourist: Joseph Bicknell | @josephbicknell
Online: Charmaine Greyling
VFX Co: Tetaki Studios
VFX Artist: Gavin Coetzee | @gavin_coetzee
Animation: Mami Wata Creative
Composer: Mario Batkovic
Music & Sound design: BDS
Additional Music: Amery GG, Brick
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