In Oulton, Leeds, an old coal-mining community of over 60 houses still stands. Originally built as temporary council housing but later sold to private investors, these homes now face the threat of demolition, putting a large number of residents at risk of displacement—some of whom have lived there their entire lives. Through a combination of audio interviews and a striking visual metaphor, we uncover the stories of a tightly-knit community, their cherished memories, and the stress and uncertainty surrounding their ongoing campaign to save their homes.

To perceive, from the Greek meaning 'touch at a distance'. Absent Presence is a surreal journey of a disconnected body seeking itself in the empty spaces of a house. A play of perceptions unfolds, blurring the line between the ambiguity of reflections and distorted shadows, prompting viewers to question their own experience.

Sophie, a curious and healthy eleven-year-old girl, is confined to a hospital bed under her mother’s constant watch. When she meets Buck, a cheerful nine-year-old adventurer, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and movement. As they explore together, Sophie begins to question the reality of her situation, wondering if she is truly as unwell as her mother insists.