Artist Spotlight - Simon Hjortek

Cinematographer, Editor & Visual Artist Simon Hjortek

Throughout the years we’ve met incredible people within the dance film community. We have decided to do an interview series to spotlight these individuals!

Simon Hjortek is a cinematographer, editor, and visual artist based out of Smedjebacken, Sweden. Simon was the co-director, editor, and cinematographer for the film “A Part” which was an official selection of our 2021 film fest!

What are three words that describe you as an artist?

Dreamlike, suggestive, beautiful.

Why Dance Filmmaking?

I think dance is a never ending inspiration and a beautiful way of expressing the whole spectrum of emotions. Dancing is like music and something we all understand on a mysterious fundamental level.

I have been working with music videos and started incorporating dance more often. In 2017 I got in contact with Erika O'Neill through the internet when looking for a choreographer for a music video project. We have been working since then on different projects.

How does the location play a role in your films?

It plays a big role. A location can spur ideas and set the tone of a whole project and I feel the most alive when finding a fantastic location and get to be there and build a temporary world.

What inspires you as an artist?

I find inspiration in the mundane and in nightmares. I like seeing possibilities in everyday surroundings and situations and I find the creativity and petrifying fear of nightmares to be very inspiring. I like very precise styles such as the work of Roy Andersson and also love the slow and mysterious worlds of Tove Jansson.

What do you want the world to know about your art?

I love exploring the slow, repetitive and dreamlike. To me dance is a perfect medium for that and I'm always excited to see where it can take my work next.

You can learn more about Simon on his website https://simonhjortek.com/ as well as check out some of his other dance projects.

Instagram @simonhjortek

Still from the music video "My Desert, My Rose". A collaboration between choreographer Erika O'Neill, dancer Emmy Park & Simon Hjortek.

Images provided by Simon Hjortek