I, YOU

I, YOU is a video collaboration between Li Ning and Erikk McKenzie.

In China, where natural environments are rapidly being transformed into landscapes of urban industry, the banks of Yellow River provide a unique setting for exploring the elements of body, sand and water as physical components for a film. The vast landscape brings to mind images of prehistoric time or to extraterrestrial landscapes.

Based on recordings from October 2007, in the outskirts of Ji´nan, China, Li Ning and Erikk McKenzie both edited two separate versions of the material; #1 ( McKenzie ) and #2 ( Li Ning ), which both premiered during Julidans 2008, Amsterdam (I,YOU#2 also containing material recorded after October 2007).

The conceptual base for the films is the experience of the self and the other. Lacking a common verbal language; identity, communication and alienation became natural topics for the film.

Performers: Li Ning, Erikk McKenzie
Camera: Tong Wei Jiun, Zhang Xi
Music: Erikk McKenzie
Translation: Ren Wen, Zhang Xi
Assistants: Cong Jun, Gong Hu Sheng

Production: Li Ning, Erikk McKenzie, China and Netherlands 2007 / 2008
Co-production: Julidans (NL) with support from the Borneoco Foundation and School for New Dance Development, Amsterdam.