Sometimes it feels like we're everywhere at once, with all these video postcards from India, Jamaica, Poland, and Jolly Ol' England giving us a great seat for the Parade of Nations. The TK Crew has definitely benefitted from being exposed to so much cultural dynamism. Our morning meetings now feature jicama scones and Free Trade coffee.
Seriously though, we live in times where seeing beyond borders to find a message can be challenging. There are those who insist on doubling down on their ethnocentrism, refusing to acknowledge the common humanity that binds us. Perhaps they need to watch more videos.
As for the present, we're still a little behind the times, but this edition represents the finalé for the year 2018, with the top finisher once again taking home the coveted Barclay Award, presented each month for excellence in Unofficial Video artistry.
1. Producer: Kornelia Malczewska
Artist: DJ Snake + AlunaGeorge
Song: "You Know You Like It"
Category: Performance
Another powerful example of dancing in the face of oppression. Revolutionary steps and blistering choreography are given the respect they deserve.
2. Producer: Red Pop Dance
Artist: Lorn
Song: "Acid Rain"
Category: Performance
A provocative Polish dance ensemble spins a dark Eco Fable through incisive movement. A teachable moment without a fairy tale ending.
3. Producer: Alex Bosserman
Artist: Portishead
Song: "Strangers"
Category: Abstract
We all have our own way of seeing life as it unfolds and it's important to share perspectives. Otherwise we're all just strangers stumbling around in the dark.
4. Producer: Krispy Films
Artist: Pink Floyd
Song: "Great Gig In The Sky"
Category: Narrative
A bored English schoolboy slips through a crack in reality and discovers the infinite moment that is right now. Old-school psychedelia to the rescue!
5. Producer: Sumit Lekhari + Lavina Lekhari
Artist: Imagine Dragons
Song: "Believer"
Category: Performance
Don't like the world you're living in? Dance a better one. If you can Imagine Dragons, anything is possible. But you can't do it without full commitment. We'll see you cats next year, which should be any day now!
