EPISODE 10: MELISSA RAMOS and CANDY PARK
Friday, 19 August 2022
In this final episode of FORMidables, we hear from two artists who have embraced dance film as a most inspiring creative practice, offering infinite possibilities of approaching dance as a subject of viewing. They offer a masterclass in “just doing it”, whilst giving precious advice to their younger selves and sharing striking insights in Western Sydney’s unique character. You’ll be left in no doubt that living a creative life is priceless.
HOST
POLA FANOUS
GUESTS
MELISSA RAMOS
CANDY PARK
EDITOR
VIR KAULA
MUSIC THEME
ALI SAGANCI
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Cheongchun Soundtrack (courtesy of Candy Park)
Running Time: 46 mins
Pola Fanous is a Coptic Orthodox Performance Poet, Author and Educator from Western Sydney. In 2017, Pola performed at the Parliament House of Australia and his poem Mr. War (Palestine) was utilized in a project awarded the 2017 Paramor Prize for Art and Innovation. In 2018 Pola competed in the Australian Poetry Slam National Final at the Sydney Opera House, where he was awarded the 2018 NSW Poetry Slam Champion. In 2019, Pola released STRONGSOFT, his debut collection of poetry, performing a National Tour with dates in Brisbane, Launceston, Hobart, and Melbourne. In 2020, Pola was the Narrator in Encounter – Emma Saunders’ cinematic Sydney Festival dance work. In 2021, Pola published his second book, a devotional on discovering love through faith titled Abba Father. Pola is currently completing his Masters in Secondary Education (Leading Teaching) at ACU whilst teaching English in a high school in Regional Victoria, as part of Teach for Australia’s Leadership Development Program.
Melissa Ramos is an artist and filmmaker living in Sydney. She is the founding director and curator of Dance Cinema Organisation, dedicated to celebrate the artform of dance films featuring high quality dance films directed by artists whose production lies in-between contemporary art, dance and cinema. Melissa’s artistic practice derives from examining the conflicts between nature and culture, in particular the issues of nature imparted by colonialism and modernity. Melissa has collaborated with choreographers and dancers around the world; most recently with Sarah Pini for Critical Path, Sydney, and Swedish choreographer/dancer Carolina Bäckman for Copenhagen Stage Denmark. Melissa’s work has been exhibited widely; including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA), USA; 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa, Japan; House of Dance Denmark, Copenhagen; Vargas Museum, Manila Philippines; National Gallery, Bangkok; National Gallery Kuala Lumpur, Singapore; Berlin Asian Film Festival; and the Kunstquartier Bethanien, Berlin. Germany.
Candy Park is a Korean Australian all rounder movement artist, choreographer and filmmaker. As an artist, she holds an emphasis on storytelling, vulnerability and culture. Recently, she has been with One Dance Company, Stephanie Lake Dance Company and with Sela Vai; performing at the 2022 TedXSydney event. Starring and choreographing for music videos and dance films, Candy has found passion in filmmaking herself. She was also awarded ‘Most Outstanding film’ for her own submission in the 2021 FORM Dance Projects Sharp Short Dance Digital festival.
