Alone at home, a woman is immersed in a bizarre adventure of the mind. In the intimacy of her space, her imagination knows no bounds, transcending time and space as she revisits memories and glimpses into the unknown. However, this solitary exploration is disrupted by the sudden presence of an unexpected intruder.

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.