Justin Henry

Sojourn

Sojourn is the beginning of understanding how people experience “home”. Home is a place where one is supposed to be living permanently. A place that is inviting and comfortable to each individual. Somewhere you can feel safe in and the environment outside. That is why the project is titled Sojourn which means a temporary stay.  The film follows three subjects all facing different issues of racism, transphobia, violence, depression, and poverty in their environments. 

The film is presented on two separate screens, both showing different viewpoints and perspectives of the subjects. This creates contrast and conflict within the visuals on display.  Using the visual of objects and social interactions, the story builds a subtle narrative for the viewers to understand the subjects and gather their own conclusions through the lens of their own biases. Each subject we follow builds upon a sense of urgency displaced within the visuals of the film. Building on these urgency and differentiating personalities, I use an arrangement of warm and cold color tones to depict the mood within the visuals of the subject. Intentionally hand holding the camera instead of using a tripod to depict not only the uneasiness of the issues but the constant conflict at hand. Using the lens as a means of observation, I wanted to document those who are surrounded by complexities in their environment due to the nature of who they are and their circumstances. The three subjects that we follow in the film are my three friends.

Sojourn began as a project when I became more observant of the spaces others reside in. Their homes, bedrooms, kitchen, neighborhood, decorations, and much more. Understanding how drastically different the notion of each characteristic in the area someone is living in can affect the way we live intrigued me. It made me remember the environments we live in truly shape the way we behave or act. Growing up as a Black man in a suburban neighborhood being so close to West Philadelphia never really gave me the experience of a safe and protected neighborhood. Seeing young Black men working the corner or a drug addict chasing you in your own neighborhood isn’t quite a normal situation everyone goes through. These nuances, experiences, and situations really change the way we behave or act in our lives no matter where we are. Even if it’s something surreal as seeing a teenage girl living out her car. There is someone out there that can relate or understand these urgencies. Urgency being the key component that coherently brings together the issues captivated under the guise of a documentary. I began the process of this project first as a combination of still photographs and moving images. I wanted to push my limits as an image maker to try and work with a now moving image instead of still. I knew at the beginning of this project that there was a specific way I wanted to present this work by having two screens with visuals that contradicted one and another. It was only time in the project as I noticed that the work was more alive as a film instead of a photograph. Using the elements that would not be present within a still image, I could capitalize on the power of film where the audience has to sit down and experience the narrative unfolding in front of them. The ambient noises in the background or the still of a gun with the violent lyrics being played in the background. These are all key elements that I could utilize because I am shooting a film and not making a photograph. Using my background in photography, I fill up each frame with information that plays a key in telling the story indirectly. I use all of these elements to present the tribulations of being a minority and the effect that has on those around me I love. I document and parallel these urgent issues the people in my sphere are facing as a way to express these issues alongside them to a broader audience.

 Darius Brunson is a 21 year old Black man living in his mother’s house in Overbrook, Pennsylvania. Darius is my childhood best friend who grew up on the block behind my house. We’ve known each other since the third grade and would always play at each other’s house. Over the years Darius would move around to many different neighborhoods in Philadelphia due to the lack of funding within the Philadelphia school system or due to family matters. Darius eventually made his way to Overbrook where he lives with his mother and older sister. He’s lived there the longest and has grown accustomed to the area even with its high rate of crime and low income. The neighborhood is notorious for the number of shootings and robberies. Hence, why Darius keeps a handgun at all times to protect what is his and his family. Darius has become extra cautious since bringing in the birth of his newborn son. Raising a boy in an area that's entrapped in a circle of hate and crime has become a concern constantly within the realm of the home. Nevertheless Darius does all the best he can to provide for his son and baby mother with the little amount of access he has.

Rey Galarza is a 21 year old transgender biracial man living in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.   Rey grew up experiencing body dysphoria and would often not fit in at school or their town. Rey grew up and lives in a town in the countryside called Honesdale. Honesdale is a town dominated by right wing caucasian families. This exposes Ray to constant mistreatment and misgendering within the work space and even around town.They have experienced mistreatment in the workplace, often receiving less pay than their cisgender, white coworkers. There is little opportunity for money or career building within the town. Ray now looks for schooling opportunities far away from home to follow their dreams as a cosmetologist and find a community who accepts him for himself.

Marcus Gomez is a 22 year old West Indian and Puerto Rican man living in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in a large family in the Bronx that shared two mattresses, Marcus came a long way from home to where he is now.He is now  living on a sofa bed in the living room of his friend's house. It hasn’t been easy ever since Marcus' family got evicted from their home and made plans to move into a new home without him in the picture. Marcus would bounce between couches until he was able to settle in Honesdale. He now works two part time jobs while working on his passion for music and fashion. Marcus looks forward to a bright future where he can eventually fulfill his dreams within the arts and won’t be exposed to racism, homelessness, and poverty.

Sojourn is a film project that examines the complexities of what home means, with an intimate but subliminal lens. Examining my friends who face adversity and hardships in unforgiving environments using visual dialog to deliver a subtle story. A story discussing that they and I are not alone in this world, surrounded by systems in place that try to ruin our chances of ever succeeding. The work delivers a personalized story of hardships that is the reality of most. Most people on this planet go through issues that usually someone else can relate to or at least understand. Darius, Ray, and Marcus all go through different issues that affect their lives and well being. Issues that concern me and make me worried about them. Each one of them are bright people that I have lots of love for and I want to see them doing what they want to do in this life. Darius wanted to be a blacksmith and make all kinds of things like hammers, swords, spears, and much more. Marcus wants to be a rapper, model, fashion designer, and anything that’s art related to clothes. Ray wants to be a cosmetologist dealing with textured hair and become a professional piercer. All of them deserve a shot to be happy and doing the things they inspire to do but life does not wait for anyone. Sojourn is a film in which I invite the audience to relate or understand these issues faced within the film. Using my thoughts, feelings, and connection to the subject matter. But, it is also a message to the people dear in my life. I care about each and every person in this film and only want the best for them and many others. If anyone else viewing this film can gather any shred of relatability or empathy for the subjects in the film, then I really believe that this work was successful.