Where I belong (NEXT 2016)
Digital photography and video documentary of stories about people and their rituals
The multimedia project “Where I Belong” tells the stories of three different individuals living and working in Washington, D.C. Simona Ciampi, a tango dancer, Justin Blazejewski, a yoga instructor, and Billy Dickett, a bartender. They all found communities of like-minded people who share the same calling, passion and purpose of life. The teachings, rituals and traditions they practice make them who they are and what they live for, and tie them closely to their respective communities. For Simona, it is the deep connections she makes with people when dancing; for Justin, it is teaching and practicing yoga; and for Billy, his neighborhood bar, Cashion’s Eat Place in Adams Morgan is where he met and formed his extended family. All three subjects testify how blessed they feel for being part of their communities.
Through their stories, the project further aims to bring out certain cultural aspects that challenge the idea of United States having no significant culture. On the contrary, this project is a recognition on the diversity in it and the value of these aspects, which sometimes go unnoticed for not being religious or ancient.
