Sound Of Light

James, an African-American teenager, is playing the saxophone in his new bedroom.

He’s just moved in, as the many boxes prove. A noise at the window interrupts him. He opens the window overlooking the street, and bends down to identify the guest.

It’s Amy, his new neighbour, with a trumpet in her hand. She waves to him, asking him to join her in the parade. James looks up at the crowd in the street.

Frightened, he doesn’t want to come out.

Kité, a flying voodoo spirit, takes the opportunity to slip into James’s room, intrigued by the saxophone.

He tries to get the instrument to work, but to no avail.

But now James has closed the window and is moving towards him.

It wasn’t long before Kité was hiding in the saxophone. James, having noticed nothing, grabs his instrument and starts playing.

Kité comes out of the saxophone, bright and colourful. James, surprised, takes a step backwards.

Once again bland, Kité tells him to keep playing. James plays a few notes, making Kité shine.

They form a bond through music, Kité dancing to the rhythm of James’s sound.

Following Kité, James finds the courage to reopen his window and let in the sounds and colours of the parade.

The crowded streets resound with laughter and song, the air is alive with brass bands, and the lights of the lanterns mingle with the reflections of the sparkling costumes.

Amy spotted him and encouraged him to join them, while Kité twirled happily around him.

The young saxophonist finally took the plunge, buoyed by the rhythm and magic of his new friend.

In the hustle and bustle of Mardi Gras, James discovers not only a city full of life, but also his own ability to call it home.