JOY BOY - a tribute to Julius Eastman (2026, 62’)

Six filmmakers enter in conversation about the transcendent music, queer activism and vibrant black spirituality of Julius Eastman; creating a number of eclectic, interconnected film scenes and audio interludes. JOY BOY first came alive as a video-installation accompanying a live performance of Eastman’s music (2024). Since then, the project has continuously been transforming and now lives as a 5-channel installation (2025) and feature lenght film (2026).

synopsis

An homage to Julius Eastman (1940–1980), African American pianist, composer, homosexual – legendary for his voice and his stage presence, who died in poverty. Joy Boy alterates between his music and archival voice recordings – visualised by a trans-national, six-headed collective in four chapters. Inflamed by colonial and life history, raw, radical and crystal clear. Coming from a wide spectrum of theoretical and artistic practices, the directors partake in a complex collaboration, independent and collective at the same time, in solidarity with Eastman and each other.
(Barbara Wurm for Berlinale)

screenings: Berlinale Forum 26’, Prismatic Ground New York, Courtisane Ghent, Hyperreality Vienna, Queer Lisboa, NW Aalst, DeSingel Antwerp