Toni Geitani, born in Beirut in 1992 and now based in Amsterdam, navigates an expansive artistic landscape as a filmmaker, sound designer, music producer, singer, and composer.
After completing his Bachelor's degree in Filmmaking, his debut and graduation film, "The Leaves Will Bury," offered a poetic narrative that envisioned the final hours lived by its main protagonist in Lebanon before a pivotal event, adding layers of tension and atmosphere.
In 2017, the Ashkal Alwan "Video Works" grant acted as a catalyst for Toni's film, "The Disappearance of Goya." This compelling work blends elements of historical trauma and post-war experiences with intricate dimensions of remembrance. The film has received high praise at prestigious film festivals, such as the 29th FidMarseille and the 21st RIDM.
Building on his educational background, Toni holds a Master of Music in Live Electronics from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. His master's thesis, "Sampling as a Political Medium," rigorously investigates the dialectical relationship between electronic music and socio-political issues, offering nuanced insights into cultural appropriation and power imbalances within the sonic realm.
In the realm of music, Toni has unveiled "Al Roujoou Ilal Qamar," an album that harmonizes experimental electronic components with Arabic vocals. This musical initiative serves dual purposes: it's both a sonic exploration and a sociopolitical commentary, indicative of Toni's affinity for intricate, multi-layered soundscapes.
Toni maintains active collaborations across a range of artistic disciplines, frequently partnering with fellow musicians and artists. He is also engaged in ongoing sound design and scoring for films in collaboration with other directors. His body of work effectively merges technology and artistic creativity, employing a variety of sophisticated tools such as synthesizers, tape machines, and cutting-edge software platforms like Max 4 Live, Arduino, and TouchDesigner.
Currently, Toni is immersed in the development of an upcoming feature film in partnership with Road 2 Films, granted by the All Around Culture fund. He is also in the planning stages for his next music album and actively engages in live music performances. His portfolio serves as a strong affirmation of his commitment to artistic sincerity, as well as his thoughtful engagement with social, political, hauntological realities, and apocalyptic events and their reverberation.