PUMP
Exploring Geometry in Motion
Directed by Valentina Khodnevich
Words by Katie Huelin
Directed by multidisciplinary artist Valentina Khodnevich, short film, PUMP, blurs the lines between choreography, architecture, and fashion, creating a striking interplay of geometric precision and human expression.
Known for her avant-garde approach to video art, Khodnevich has gained international recognition, with her work showcased at Cannes, Berlin, and London film festivals. In PUMP, she collaborates with movement director Jasiah Marshall to bring the sculptural designs of HARRI to life, using the human body as an extension of shape and structure.
In PUMP, choreography and movement are intricately tied to the geometric designs of HARRI’s fashion. How did you approach the choreography to mirror these geometric shapes, and how did this influence the film’s overall direction?
VK The core idea was to mirror the angled shapes found in both the sculpture and HARRI’s designs. I collaborated closely with movement director Jasiah Marshall, whose choreography I trusted completely. While I brought some initial references for inspiration, the actual movements Jasiah created on set.
The film’s visuals juxtapose fluid, organic movement with sharp, architectural elements. How did you work with DOP Luke Dryden to capture this contrast, particularly in the grainy, grayscale cats cradle shots versus the more precise, focused moments of fluid movement?
VK: During the recce, we focused on finding angles and pre-planning shots, which gave us more freedom on set to choose the best frames. I initially wanted to stick to mostly static shots for PUMP to complement the space’s aesthetic, with its clean lines and angles. But on the day, we picked up a DV cam and captured a few extra handheld moments with it—some of which ended up in the final edit.
The striking unconventional fashion in PUMP is integral to the concept. How did Creative Director Yiling Zhao incorporate HARRI’s designs into the film, and how did the garments inform your approach to the choreography and overall aesthetic?
VK: This was the first project Yiling and I worked on together. We developed the concept collaboratively, starting with HARRI’s garments and the idea of string figures. Yiling introduced a sculpture by Pedro that she was eager to incorporate, and it turned out to be the missing piece we needed!
Composer Isaac Dossena Cook uses unconventional sounds webbed melodically together to form a surreal soundscape that complements the visuals and choreography perfectly. Can you speak more on your collaboration with Cook and your decision not to use a more minimalist or conventional score.
VK: Isaac and I began working on the music several weeks before the actual shoot, which gave us some time to experiment and explore different ideas. I had a few reference tracks in mind and a clear vision of what I want: the idea was to blend industrial sounds in a way that would align and weave together into a sort of melody. I think it took us around 5 to 6 drafts to get there. Isaac did an amazing job!
“The core idea was to mirror the angled shapes found in both the sculpture and HARRI’s designs.”
What themes or concepts are you excited to explore in your future projects? Are there any collaborations or new directions you’re particularly interested in pursuing?
VK: At the moment I’m working on a few projects and planning to shoot more commercials and fashion films next year. Lately, my focus has been on movement, but I want to dive deeper into narrative storytelling since I’ve always been a big fan of it. I’m also really drawn to sports commercials and would love the chance to work with sportswear brands, I think there’s so much potential to make them incredibly visual and dynamic!
Director - Valentina Khodnevich
Creative Director - Yiling Zhao
Producer - Lucio Martus
DOP - Luke Dryden
Focus Puller - Peter Swinford
Loader - Bertie Searles
Gaffer - Al Rice
Make Up Artist - Mai
Fashion- H A R R I
Costume Assistant - Lauren Morley-Aistrop
Stylist Assistant - Anya Levitova
PR - Indera Tamara
PR Assistant - Una Lote Andžāne
Movement Director - Jasiah Marshall
2nd Dancer - Kasia Kuzka
Hand Model - Ingrid Liew
Editor - Luying Dong
Composer - Isaac Dossena Cook
Colorist - Anton Zimmerman
1st AD - Sibylle Aries
PA - Oli Jenson
Runner - Andres Panduro
DV Camera Operator - Luca Vannucci
Graphic Design - Arsen Mollakaev
Installation - Pedro Resendez
Special Thanks to Bubble TV
Location - Ladbroke Hall