The Best Ain’t Happened Yet is an ode to freedom, nature and lightness. Directed by LA-based filmmaker Felicia Manning, the experimental dance film uses the vast open space of the stunning and tranquil Placerita Canyon to showcase movement as a way to release the tension and anxiety built up during lockdown.
Captured on 16mm film, The Best Ain’t Happened Yet delivers poetic imagery to the synthetic soul sound of artist Chiiild. The film sees Manning, Art Director Katie Roseff and Cinematographer Jesse Aragon come together for the independent dance project. Fashion and interior design Blogger / YouTuber Aimee Song of Song of Style also contributed by providing clothing sets from her sold out collections.
Choreography plays an essential role in revealing the emotional layers of the video. Created by Maya Angel Allen and performed together with Emara Jackson, the movements explore femininity, fluidity and the emotional connections between the two dancers, music and landscape.
Commenting on the piece, Manning states: “The dancers are a key aspect of the piece. I really wanted to give them free rein to explore, so I shared the meaning and the emotional focus of the song after speaking with the artist and let the dancers interpret that into motion. It was really beautiful to see that process unfold. Ultimately, this project speaks to serenity and breaking free for all of us and I hope that was translated in this piece.”
The Best Ain’t Happened Yet represents Manning’s first directorial project solely focused on dance and motion.
Directed by Felicia Manning @feliciamvnning
Director of Photography: Jesse Aragon @jessearagon7
Art Direction/Prod. Design: Katie Roseff @katie_roseff
1st AC/Loader: Walter Watkins @waltercwat
Choreographer/Dancer: Maya Angel Allen @mayaangelart
Dancer: Emara Jackson @emaraneyj
VFX/Edit: Camden Remington
Still Photography: Hannah J. Kim
Camera Package: Tyler Purcell
Press: Niccolo Montanari
Production: Fe Brand Films www.febrandfilms.com
Featuring Original Music by Chiiild @chiiild
“The Best Ain’t Happened Yet”
Wardrobe provided by Song of Style @songofstyle
