The Centre Cannot Hold
(Le Centre ne tient pas)
The Centre Cannot Hold (2026), scanned 16mm, 40 minutes, colour. In English and French with English Subtitles.
Narrated by actress Guslagie Malanda, The Centre Cannot Hold is an essay film exploring what it means to exist on an island as well as the tensions of existing in the shadows of French colonialism. Set across a single day, the film recalls a speculative relationship to the island of Corsica and weaves together a speculative narrative, polyphonic choral traditions, and 16mm footage shot on location.
Written, Directed, Edited and Produced by Ufuoma Essi
Narrated by Guslagie Malanda
Director of Photography: Andrés Baron
Locations and Production Assistant: Nadine Daigne
Sound Design and Mix: Ines Adriana
Score: stl
Music: L'Alba
Colourist: Thierry Phung
Titles and Poster Design: Sam Williams
16mm Film Processing and Scanning by Filmantiq
Sound Post-production Services by Azimuth Post Production
Made with support from Arts Council England.
