Because of in spite of is a short film born from a sudden end to my career as a professional cyclist.
After a long time away from the sport, I recently looked at it with new eyes; I began to see the almost absurd beauty in the life of a cyclist. These are people with; oddly misshapen and marked bodies purpose built for one thing (riding), a loyal adherence to tradition whilst also attempting to be cutting edge and an unhealthy relationship to pain.
The film is interested in stripping back the cyclist - taking away all the things that they normally hide behind (the bike, kit, technology and landscapes) and instead looking at the inner world and odd body of the cyclist through the use of sets, production design, creation and movement.
For me, cycling was at one point a form of expression. Art and sport have a complicated relationship but speaking as someone who started at one and ended up in another I am trying to demonstrate that they are ultimately not so far apart.
Directed by Riley Hart
Starring Yana Popova
Director of Photography Tom Black
Assistant Camera Jackson Lana
Gaffer Harry Burmeister
Original score Victoria Pham
Production Design Lola Faraud
Production Design assistant Clément Audebert
Editor Riley Hart
Colourist Max Ferguson-Hook at Crayon
Graphic Design Marni Burger
Special thanks
Patrick Drapac
Gao Che
Louis Maurel
Leora Hart
Harry Hart
Georgina Cheyne