Vessel, an experimental film directed by Joe Horton, follows a hero on a journey through death, decay, and transcendence. Referencing the alchemical vessel, an object of transformation and a symbol for the soul, the film’s lyrical plot recalls classical storytelling forms such as opera and ballet and is infused with Afrofuturism and surrealism. Through the use of stop-motion photography, digital compositing, and an ambient soundtrack, Vessel imparts a modern mysticism to the Information Age.

Joe Horton is a vocalist, media artist, and cofounder of FIX music and arts collective. He is a 2019 Jerome Hill Artist Fellow and an artist in residence at Mia.

Director: Joe Horton. Art Director: Kai Benson. Featuring Darrius Strong, Shá Cage and Jessika Akpaka. Creative Team: Patrick Pegg, Bill Phelps, Carissa Merrill, Jesse Cogswell, Joshua Clausen, Stephen Lewis. Special Thanks: Jessika Akpaka, Isaac Kidder, Carrie Shaw, Alyssa Anderson, Tiffany Skidmore, Walt Skidmore, Adam Zahller, Mike Duffy, Laura Krider, Willow Skidmore, Bodega Ltd., Braden Schmitt, and Audrey Horton.