Watch “The Discourse” by Veuxdo Child

Have you ever been talking to someone, having a great conversation, and thought “ahh!! I wish someone was recording this!” That’s what got Veuxdo Child aka Lala filming such conversations with friends like Duckwrth, Queens D Light, Kid Kreyola, and artists who inspire her like Zion I and Amplive. After 5 years accruing footage she noticed running themes and compiled the best parts into a short film – The Discourse. Interspersed with her own experimental footage, kaleidic animations, and poetry, we got the privilege of attending a private screening put on by the Malidoma Collective for the inside scoop.

The most inspiring thing about this film is the curiosity, intellect, eloquence, and self-respect of the young adults featured in it. Genuinely searching for empowerment through consciousness and love, and presenting it in a  personable artsy way, it’s no wonder this film is currently part of Culture Unplugged’s Spirit Enlightened Film Festival (watch/vote!). I literally had to take out my iPhone and wrote over a page of inspiration. Highlights include:

• Funk face: that feeling you get when you are FEELING the funk
• Talent v Popularity. Who would we rather send to space, Kim Kardashian or a person who trained to be an astronaut?
• Acting out of fear of acceptance means you will act within the bounds of what is accepted which are usually commercially institutionalized standards involving the systematic destruction of certain people (Ex. What lyrics you hear and images you see from hip hop to art)
• Question everything, even your own thoughts
• The only way to grow is to regard others as members of ourselves. The ultimate LOVE, real King style love.

After the screening was an exclusive panel featuring Lala and other interdisciplinary creatives in her circle. When questioned about growth in the creative process, rapper Queens D Light responded that you have 2 ears so listen twice. Reflection is important for the creative process to grow, but reflection requires silence and immobility which some people are scared to do.

Artist Kid Kreyola points out that a person wouldn’t know they live in a dump unless they were aware of better conditions. Like a memorable conversation where an old man told him, “Rise above,” “But I don’t have wings,” “You don’t need wings! Just rise above!” Build your way above and make conscious choices to connect with people and places that aren’t your comfort zone, especially across generations.

This film will definitely get your palette ready for critical thinking and have you thankful people like those in the film exist as a reminder that you can defy the hype, and have other young people at your side ready to build.

» Watch the film! (Views help it win!)

*VEUXDO is an identity project with a focus on creating media to facilitate conversation, reflection, and documentation of poc exploration and voice.

*Malidoma is a compilation of artist projecting the vision & voice of women of color. 

*Photos by Tara Byars