2ndlife: Ben Jeans Houghton

About

2ndlife is the second UK solo show by Ben Jeans Houghton.

2ndlife is a first person film essay that uses the places and protagonists encountered on an inner and outer journey to and through Japan, to constellate a self reflexive narrative discussing perspectives on the history, philosophy and reality of suicide. The roving point of view camera embarks from the North East of England and travels to the metropolis of Tokyo, through the Zen gardens of Kyoto before reaching Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mt. Fuji. The films animistic narratives afford personhood and give voice to places, objects, animals and the Internet in dialogue with the inner monologue of the protagonist. Throughout the film makes reference to mythology, folklore, cyberspace and dreamstates as it takes the viewer on a chronological journey through person and place whilst mapping the emotional terrain and magnetism of the existential.