Loading Docs: Dans

Learn more about Dans, one of the 10 short documentary films in the inaugural Loading Docs project.

Dans (Turkish for 'dance') is an animated documentary based around the storytelling of Sol, an elderly Turkish migrant now living in New Zealand.

In this colourful short Sol recounts a treasured memory from his early days as a refugee spent at "The Orange" - a popular dance hall in Auckland. Created by Joel Kefali, one of New Zealand's most creative directors, the marrying of animation and documentary storytelling will make for a visual and emotional short film.

Filmmakers: Director Joel Kefali, Producer Amber Easby
Filming location: Auckland

Short Bio: Joel Kefali is an acclaimed music video director, art director, filmmaker and television commercial director.

In 2005 Joel completed a Bachelor of Design with Honours. Two years later he co-founded the creative studio Special Problems with Campbell Hooper. As one half of Special Problems, Joel has worked with critically esteemed artists the world over, including The Naked & Famous, Wolfmother, Flying Lotus, Alicia Keys, Brooke Fraser, Crowded House, Mint Chicks, Tame Impala and The Presets.

As a team, Special Problems have directed television commercials and creative campaigns for major brands including Ford, Cadbury, HP, Smirnoff, VH1, MTV, Vodafone, AA Insurance and Yellow Pages.

Most recently Joel has had success independently including directing Lorde's two current videos - US number one hit Royals and the follow up track Tennis Court, Royals winning best music video at the 2013 NZ Music Awards.

This year has seen Joel once again collaborating with David Dallas and The Naked & Famous on music videos, art direction and design for their new album projects. He has also directed a major TVC campaign for AMI Insurance and an in-depth profile film on Lorde for Spotify.

Filmmaker Statement: "Loading Docs, for me, presented an exciting opportunity to bring to life an animation-based short documentary idea of mine. I like the one to one relationship a filmmaker can have with their audience when sharing their work online. The Loading Docs format and crowd-funding approach brings this relationship full circle and allows me to share a particularly personal story within the online community."

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