Private Project

I Am Always Playing a Character

In three black-and-white videos, the artist Nicolaj Ésteban embodies three different characters: first, a planet floating weightlessly in space, followed by a restless demon, and finally, the dancing "Smile Baby," symbolizing the inner child and the dance with one's own self.

  • Nicolaj Ésteban
    Director
  • Nicolaj Ésteban
    Producer
  • Nicolaj Ésteban
    Animation
  • Moses Germann
    Music
  • Nicolaj Ésteban
    Music
  • Lienhard Stiftung
    Supported by
  • SMKK Stiftung
    Supported by
  • Kulturförderung Appenzell Innerrhoden
    Supported by
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Music Video
  • Genres:
    Experimental, Artfilm
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 13, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    16,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia, Switzerland
  • Country of Filming:
    Switzerland
  • Shooting Format:
    Virtual Reality
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Heimspiel
    St. Gallen
    Switzerland
Director Biography - Nicolaj Ésteban

My name is Nicolaj Ésteban. Some of my friends call me Johnny Dangers (feel free to ask). I love exploring the inner and outer worlds. I use my findings as foundation for my work. I believe it makes it relatable.

I utilise any medium that serves the story best, and love a playful approach. I break rules, I ask for help, I let others do what they do best and I like bad dad jokes.

I am a big dreamer. In the future I want to direct feature films and fill stadiums with my music.

I am colourful and carry several years of practice in the creative industry under my belt. This includes design school, film school, internships and working with companies such as Studio Hackett in Sydney Australia and high-end luxury fashion house Akris in Switzerland.

In 2020 I have released my first album with my imaginary friends – a mixed reality band.

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