The Centre Cannot Hold
(Le Centre ne Peut Pas Tenir)
The Centre Cannot Hold (2026), scanned 16mm, 40 minutes, colour. In English and French with English Subtitles.
The Centre Cannot Hold is an essay film about what it means to exist on an island, both geographically and metaphorically, as well as the paradoxical nature and tensions of what it might mean to exist in the shadows of French colonialism. Narrated by Guslagie Malanda, the film weaves together a speculative narrative, polyphonic choral traditions, and 16mm footage shot on location across Corsica.
Written, Directed, Edited and Produced by Ufuoma Essi
Narrated by Guslagie Malanda
Director of Photography: Andrés Baron
Sound Design and Mix: Ines Adriana
Score: stl
Music: L'Alba
Colourist: Thiery Phung
Titles and Credits: Sam Williams
16mm Film Processing and Scanning by Filmantiq
Location and Production Assistant: Nadine Daigne
Made with support from Arts Council England.