A new work by Umut Gunduz

In Ancient Greece, the ‘Omphalos’ was seen as the centre of the world. The word’s root comes from the Latin ‘Umbilicus’ which can be translated to ‘Navel’ or ‘Umbilica’.

The tidal pool of Walpole Bay has become the central meeting point for so many residents of Margate. Season-in, season-out, the hardcore bathers of the area congregate; gently floating, swimming, chatting be it morning, noon or evening. Their relationship to the pool supplies the backdrop to this video and sound performance by filmmaker, Umut Gunduz. Through interviews with the bathers and local scientists, sonic recordings captured around the pool and bay and ambient videography, this one-off documentary performance will examine the bay as both an architectural/ecological landmark and giant womb that gives life to the people that immerse themselves within it.

Local Focus: Umut Gunduz

Umut Gunduz is a London born and Margate based filmmaker. He began his career as a sound designer working on small docs and art films, for the majority part. After some time he began making videos, first starting with art projects of his own and later moving to music videos and promos.

His work is a blend of portraiture and fiction, exploring his subject matter with a sensitivity for storytelling and imaginative expression.