Tracing Roots 根を辿る

“根を辿る (Ne o Tadoru): Tracing Roots” explores identity and cultural reconnection through symbolic imagery and evocative Butoh performances. Teaser Video Director • Claire Tsumura @clairetsumura 
Producer • Nicholas Tay @knicktay 
DoP (Singapore) • Jean Pierre Pillay @_jpy16_ DoP (Japan) • Nicholas Tay @knicktay Butoh Dancer • Elden Zachery @eldenzachery Model • Ikari Kokona @_____k23_ Camera Assistant • Natania Frois Gabrielle @natfoieley B Camera Operator • Dieu Sze Wen @itsdieuu C Camera Operator • Joeyna Alyaa @joeeyynna Gaffer • Jaya Khidir @jaya.khidir Best Boy • Justinn Matthew Lim @justinn.lim Grips • Djibril Lim @djibrillim , Shawn Petrian @shawnpetrian Art Director • Fynn Tan @strangleberry Assistant Art Director • Arendayen Abegail Loreno @farticleabs Art Assistants • Nanda Tin Tun @nanpyarr , Wang Xi Jie @wearmuth , Felicia Luna King @miss.kingg Painting • Phyo Thant Kyaw @phyotkw Production Assistant and BTS • Deron Gow @derongoww Stylist • Khong Yawen @ye.wonz Hair & Makeup Artist • Lucas Tan @lukarse Braids • Junz Loke @junzloke Editor • Claire Tsumura @clairetsumura Colourist • Hafizah Salim @hafizah.s_ On-Set Musician • Rudi Osman @rudi0s Audio Mastering • Lukas Christ @lucra400 Title Designer • Sulaiman Baktiyar @space0utsul Photographer • Claire Tsumura @clairetsumura Special Thanks 💌 Aaditya Sundar @moonpiercer , Emelda Rahmat @missymelly , Daryl Nah, Gorilla Cinema Force @gcforce.sg , An Asylum @an_asylum Supported by Sony Singapore @sonysingapore

Featured in the Vogue Talent Prize as part of the top 30 selections. More through the link on our profile.

Tracing Roots has been officially selected for FASHIONCLASH Festival 2025 @fashionclash_festival #fcf2025 #fashionclashfestival

made a big painting for @clairetsumura 's film a while back. thanks for having me :)

“根を辿る (Ne o Tadoru): Tracing Roots” @tracing.roots (1/3) Absolutely loved grading this piece. Been a while since I got to work on something creative and personal, and this was very freeing. @clairetsumura ’s “根を辿る (Ne o Tadoru): Tracing Roots” explores identity and cultural reconnection through symbolic imagery and evocative Butoh performances, inviting introspection and personal reflection. To reflect this emotional depth, I went for a more distinct, painterly look in the Butoh scenes to set them apart from the present-day moments. I also retained the strong contrast and deep hues to mirror the heaviness and intensity of the performance. Thank you to the team for such a great base to work off 🌟 and thanks @clairetsumura and @knicktay especially, I really enjoyed catching up and working together! 💫 Director • Claire Tsumura @clairetsumura Producer • Nicholas Tay @knicktay DoP (Singapore) • Jean Pierre Pillay @_jpy16_ DoP (Japan) • Nicholas Tay @knicktay Butoh Dancer • Elden Zachery @eldenzachery Model • Ikari Kokona @_____k23_ Camera Assistant • Natania Frois Gabrielle @natfoieley B Camera Operator • Dieu Sze Wen @itsdieuu C Camera Operator • Joeyna Alyaa @joeeyynna Gaffer • Jaya Khidir @jaya.khidir Best Boy • Justinn Matthew Lim @justinn.lim Grips • Djibril Lim @djibrillim , Shawn Petrian @shawnpetrian Art Director • Fynn Tan @strangleberry Assistant Art Director • Arendayen Abegail Loreno @farticleabs Art Assistants • Nanda Tin Tun @nanpyarr , Wang Xi Jie @wearmuth , Felicia Luna King @miss.kingg Painting • Phyo Thant Kyaw @phyotkw Production Assistant and BTS • Deron Gow @derongoww Stylist • Khong Yawen @ye.wonz Hair & Makeup Artist • Lucas Tan @lukarse Braids • Junz Loke @junzloke Editor • Claire Tsumura @clairetsumura Colourist • Hafizah Salim @hafizah.s_ On-Set Musician • Rudi Osman @rudi0s Audio Mastering • Lukas Christ @lucra400 Title Designer • Sulaiman Baktiyar @space0utsul Photographer • Claire Tsumura @clairetsumura Special Thanks • Aaditya Sundar @moonpiercer , Emelda Rahmat @missymelly , Daryl Nah, Gorilla Cinema Force @gcforce.sg , An Asylum @an_asylum Supported by Sony Singapore @sonysingapore

Photographed fragments of 根を辿る (Ne o Tadoru): Tracing Roots 🪾

22 May · 7PM - 10PM LASALLE McNally Campus Opening Night & Screening

“根を辿る (Ne o Tadoru): Tracing Roots” @tracing.roots explores the nuanced intersections of identity and cultural disconnection through symbolic imagery and expressive movement. Thoughtfully navigating the path toward self-discovery and reconciliation with heritage, the film invites introspection and personal reflection. Happy to have been working with @clairetsumura on her final year project. — alongside @knicktay Helped out with the design direction ranging from the zine , title cards , posters ,etc. Works can be viewed at the LASALLE show BA (Hons) in Fashion media. —— A special thanks to @eiqaliana for sowing the zine and to @kyotanm for helping out with the calligraphy

Raw notes, textured moments, and carefully crafted sound, the threads that bind the film. 3 Days Until the Full Film 💐 This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the team and the incredible support from the community.

First screening, full hearts, full stomachs.

Here’s a bit of the “why” behind Tracing Roots and how it all came together.