DREAM’S DESCENT

Director
dance, SHORT FILM

“Dream’s Descent” is a surreal dance film that follows a lone dancer who encounters fragments of himself. Through ritualistic choreography and visceral confrontations, he must face these manifestations to reclaim his sense of self in the hope to emerge transformed.

“Dream’s Descent” is a poetic exploration of identity, transformation and the quiet, often painful journey of confronting oneself. At its core, this surreal dance film tells the story of a lone figure navigating a dreamscape where fragments of his identity manifest through movement: each encounter a ritual, a reckoning, a step closer to wholeness.

This film was born from a shared desire to explore the invisible battles we face when chasing our dreams: the fears, doubts, and shadows that threaten to derail us.

As collaborators, Inka Kendzia, Sara Gouveia, and Gregory Maqoma, we bring together our collective voices and different visual languages to create a work that reaches outward, engaging with global audiences.

Written & Directed by Inka Kendzia & Sara Gouveia   Co-directed and Choreographed by Gregory Maqoma   Produced by Sara Gouveia   Featuring Gregory Maqoma, Lihle Mfene, Purity Mkhize   Director of Photography Motheo Moeng   Music Composition & Sound Design Mr Sakitumi   Vocalist and Uhadi Player Odwa Bongo   Lionfish Productions 2025

Supported by PESP/NFVF and IFAS 

FESTIVALS:

  • Experimental, Dance & Music Film Festival 2025 (Canada)
    • Winner: Best Visual Design
  • HangartFest 2025 (Italy)
  • Bucharest International Dance Film Festival 2025 (Romania)
  • Creation Africa Forum Lagos 2025 (Nigeria)
  • InShadow 2025 (Portugal)
  • Joburg Underground film festival 2025 (South Africa)
  • IMMAGI]NA Film Festival 2025 (Italy)
  • Cultur’halle Film Festival 2025 (Switzerland)
  • Dance Camera West Film Festival 2026 (LA, USA)
  • Sans Souci Festival of Dance 2026