“Moncalvo” by Tanu Muiño & Nikita Kuzmenko
Moncalvo is created by an award-winning team of global artists. Directed by Tanu Muiño—whose work has earned accolades including Video of the Year at the MTV VMAs and a Grammy Nomination for Best Music Video—and Nikita Kuzmenko, who also served as the film’s cinematographer. Kuzmenko is a Ukrainian visual artist known for his striking work on campaigns for Dior, PUMA, and Oakley, as well as music videos for The Weeknd, Harry Styles, and Foals. Choreographed by Jacob Jonas and featuring 9 Performing Artists of Jacob Jonas The Company, the film was created on location at Orsolina28, an international art center in Italy. The work is set to an original score composed by Steve Hackman, Moses Sumney, and Jacob Jonas.
FROM THE DIRECTORS
“This film was created in June 2023 during one of the most challenging times in my life, immediately following a battle with stage 4 cancer.
I have deep respect and gratitude for all the artists who joined together to bring this work to life and helped me emerge from my darkest times, thank you. Your dedication and vulnerability have made this film what it is. To Layne, who stood beside me and embodied my pain through this work-thank you for helping turn the darkness into light.
This film is more than a reflection of my pain; it's an invitation to confront the silent battles we all carry and to find healing. For me, dance has always been the light that breaks through the shadows. My hope is that this film offers a glimpse of that light to anyone facing their own darkness.
If you or someone you know is battling mental health challenges, you are not alone. Please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support, 24/7.”
-Jacob Jonas
CREDITS
Directors
Tanu Muiño & Nikita Kuzmenko
Cinematographer// Nikita Kuzmenko
Choreographer// Jacob Jonas
Assistant Choreographer// Emma Rosenzweig-Bock
Performers
Layne Willis
James Blackston
Isabella Caso
Chadwick Gaspard
Liz Lage
Taylor Lopez
Emma Rosenzweig-Bock
Dawvyn Winters
Jill Wilson
Composers// Steve Hackman & Moses Sumney
Lyrics Written by Jacob Jonas
Composition Mix and Master// Patrick Dillon Curry
Produced by Jacob Jonas The Company
Executive Producer// Jill Wilson
1st AC// Archil Siradze
Styling// Tanu Muino
Editor// Mykyta Bereg
Colorist// Joseph Bicknell / Company 3
Titles Designer// Yevheniy Velichev
Filmed on location at and with support from Orsolina28 Art Foundation
Thank you// Simony Monteiro, Michele Denegri, Stefano Steffenini
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