Private Project

No Floor, No Ceiling

The film unfolds within three distinct scenes that delve into the struggles faced by Queer Black individuals in navigating the complex terrain of "Family." Throughout the narrative, the central character wrestles with the intricate dynamics of 'Chosen family,' yearning for acceptance and ultimately recognizing the invaluable validation that this alternative familial structure provides. Simultaneously, a deep-seated longing persists for a connection to 'Blood family,' despite the recurring trauma and pervasive sense of misunderstanding that accompanies these familial ties.

Within the interpretive space, mundane objects assume conceptual significance, symbolizing the emotional weight and resonance of the stories being woven. The music, in its evocative structure, serves as a window into the psychological state of the central character, offering a glimpse into the profound memories that have shaped their present reality.

  • Ijeoma Uzoukwu
    Director
  • Sam Oladele
    Director
  • Sam Oladele
    Writer
  • Ijeoma Uzoukwu
    Writer
  • Sam Oladele
    Producer
  • Ijeoma Uzoukwu
    Producer
  • Angel Odunayo-Abrams
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Experimental
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 41 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 5, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.90
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ijeoma Uzoukwu, Sam Oladele

Ijeoma Uzoukwu
Ijeoma Uzoukwu is a non-binary, London-based Nigerian artist, making space for collective introspection through the mediums of performance, film, and sound. Their multifaceted practice channels a multilayered fusion, intertwining personal narratives with speculative elements, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic Ọdịnanị database of their Igbo heritage amongst historyes. Their art transcends traditional boundaries, forging connections between new and old realms of contemporary art.

With a profound fascination for cosmology and the metaphysical, Ijeoma's creations take on a ritualistic quality, serving as gateways to societal, political, and personal realization. Each piece is a portal into a world where boundaries fade, inviting viewers to explore and reimagine their own existence. Uzoukwu sees art as a transformative journey that challenges and inspires and shapes new perspectives on the contemporary landscape.

Sam Oladele
Sam Oladele is an artist who explores the realms of film and performance art. Oladele's keen interest in Black Philosophy delves into the experience of Blackness and how it is socially commodified. Inspired by the question 'What are we in a white world?' (coined by Aimé Césaire and Léopold Sédar Senghor), his intention is to highlight the complexities of the Black experience, as there is no single narrative.

Dedicated to his early life in Nigeria, Oladele sees this experience as surreal and takes a particular interest in the West African cultures of the past, especially polytheistic societies. Oladele's work embodies the idea that having a vision of the future means having everyone present, highlighting the significance of time and the hidden facets of culture.

Oladele's works situates his personal experiences within the framework of questioning societal expectations, all while striving to uphold his purpose on earth, encapsulating the intricate path of self-discovery and identity. Oladele wants audiences to view his work as open-ended, non-linear, and formless to hold space for all stories.

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Director Statement

"No Floor, No Ceiling" is a film conceived by Ijeoma Uzoukwu and Sam Oladele. The film is rooted in dialogues of shared experiences - grappling with sexuality while coming of age in a traditional Nigerian household. As artists, their objective is to craft an enduring portrayal of these dialogues, with the profound hope that those who resonate with their narratives may find validation and catharsis in the act of viewing.