Epoch – Jose Oriek, Felipe Valera

“Epoch: Gambogaz 1937 – A Journey Through Time Through Dance”
In the year 1937, in the heart of Gambogaz, Camas Sevilla, the threads of a history marked by the upheavals of the Francoist dictatorship were woven. The Cortijo de Gambogaz, gifted by the mayor of Seville, Ramón de Carranza, to General Queipo de Llano, became the silent witness to a complex and painful narrative.
In this setting, Adrian LeeLand contributes the melody that emanates from the soul of Gambogaz, interpreting the soundtrack that resonates with the vibrations of history. Felipe Valera, dancer and creator of the piece, dances among the shadows of the past, carrying the weight of the events that unfolded in that place.
After the expropriation from Ignacio Vázquez, Queipo de Llano found his final abode in this Cortijo, where history intertwines with the choreographed movements of dance. In 1951, Queipo de Llano closed his eyes in Gambogaz, but the images and memories endured.
Jose Oriek, director of photography and editor, has captured the essence of Gambogaz in every frame, merging tangible reality with ethereal dance. His vision becomes a canvas where the past, present, and future of this historically laden place are depicted.
“Epoch: Gambogaz 1937” is more than an artistic expression; it is a visual testimony that channels the essence and experiences of Gambogaz in the year 1937. Through music, dance, and cinematography, homage is paid to the events that have left an indelible mark on this corner of Seville.
In every movement, every note, and every frame, “Epoch” invites us to reflect on the complexity of our shared history, reminding us that art has the power to connect the past with the present and convey the deepest emotions through the dance of time.

Directors Biography – Jose Oriek, Felipe Valera

Felipe Valera and Jose Oriek are two artists whose individual journeys intertwine in a creative collaboration that merges contemporary dance, cinema, and photography into an emotional journey through time and space.

Felipe Valera, a 28-year-old dancer and contemporary dance interpreter, began his career at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma, where he graduated with distinction. In addition to his dance studies, Felipe earned a degree in International Relations from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, showcasing his multidisciplinary approach to life and art. His career took off when he joined the young dance company Larreal in Madrid, where he had the privilege of collaborating with prominent Spanish choreographers such as Jose Reches, Manuel Rodriguez, Pedro Berdayes, and Cristiane Boullosa.

On the other hand, Jose Oriek, a lover of cinema, dance, and photography, found his passion for visual arts from childhood, captivated by the magic of cinema while accompanying his father, a cinema operator in the 80s. His fascination with visual storytelling led him to explore the intersection between cinema and dance throughout his life, living in various metropolises around the world, from Barcelona to London, Berlin, San Francisco, and Mexico City.

In their artistic journey, Felipe and Jose crossed paths and joined their talents to create “Epoch: Gambogaz 1937 – A Journey Through Time Through Dance.” This unique collaboration took them to the heart of Gambogaz, Camas Sevilla, in the year 1937, where they wove the threads of a story marked by the tumultuous times of the Francoist dictatorship. Felipe brought his expertise in contemporary dance, creating emotive choreography that explores the depths of the human soul, while Jose captured the essence of Gambogaz in every frame, merging tangible reality with ethereal dance.

Through their joint work, Felipe and Jose have created a piece that transcends the boundaries of time and space, inviting audiences to reflect on the complexity of our shared history and the powerful connection between art and humanity. With each movement, note, and image, “Epoch” invites us to immerse ourselves in an emotional journey through time, celebrating the magic of creativity and the ability of art to move and transform our lives.

As the directors of “Epoch: Gambogaz 1937 – A Journey Through Time Through Dance,” Felipe Valera and Jose Oriek are thrilled to present this collaborative endeavor that intertwines history, art, and human experience.

“Epoch: Gambogaz 1937” transports viewers to the heart of Gambogaz, Camas Sevilla, in the year 1937, where the threads of history were woven amidst the upheavals of the Francoist dictatorship. Against this backdrop, Felipe Valera, a dancer and contemporary dance interpreter, breathes life into the shadows of the past through his poignant choreography, while Jose Oriek, a lover of cinema, dance, and photography, captures the essence of Gambogaz in every frame, merging tangible reality with ethereal dance.

Through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the power of visual storytelling, Valera and Oriek have created a cinematic canvas that transcends time and space. “Epoch: Gambogaz 1937” is more than just a work of art; it is a visual testimony that channels the essence and experiences of Gambogaz in the year 1937. Through music, dance, and cinematography, homage is paid to the events that have left an indelible mark on this corner of Seville.

In every movement, every note, and every frame, “Epoch” invites viewers to reflect on the complexity of our shared history and the enduring power of human resilience and creativity. Through the dance of time, Valera and Oriek remind us of the timeless truths that unite us all.