Ailao Afi - Samoan Fire Knife Dancing (DZO Arles)

AILAO AFI - A Samoan practice otherwise known as fire knife dancing. I've been working on a Documentary about the practice of Ailao Afi, in the process I've been filming in Samoa and Aotearoa/New Zealand following multiple practitioners as they perform and interview. What I've learned most is there is a depth of culture which exists within multiple timelines, one in the 20th century during the revitalisation (or invention depending on who you ask) of the practice and another in pre-colonial times. Ailao Afi in contemporary practice is often seen as a form of entertainment, which in itself does exist and provides a means of living for some, however this Documentary is intended to explore the deeper layers which exist, from different generations and countries in hopes of establishing a foundation of understanding for future and contemporary practitioners. I'm still in the process of creating the Short Doco, hoping to travel back to Samoa, specifically other islands outside of Upolu. While I continue working towards funding it, I wanted to share this trailer of the project. Lino Sanft, the interviewee lived and breathed Ailao Afi from a young age and comes from a family of Ailoa Afi Dancers. This film was created with the help of DZO FILM using their new lens: ARLES PRIME 50mm T1.4 Vista Vision which was paired with my RED V RAPTOR 8K in Open Gate, this was the only lens used. I love the character, it's incredibly clean wide open with strong fall off towards the edges giving nice character which isn't overpowering, something I find more versatile. The lens itself is also compact, well built with fluid focus rings and common OD of 95mm. Would love to see the rest of the range at a later point: https://dzofilm.com/products/arles-prime.html Director, Producer, DP, Editor - @BenMikha / www.instagram.com/benmikha Thanks to everyone involved in the creation so far: SAMOA 1st AD / Assist: Tupea Elia Mata'u Gaffer / Assist: Mike Mikha NEW ZEALAND 1st AC: Dyego Cortenas, Jack Barry 2nd AC: Liam Van Den Berk Colourist: Jenny Montgomery (Company 3) Sound Design / Mix: Sofiane Tib Special Thanks: Amo Ieriko