In late 2022, filmmaker Enrico Poli and Undervilla, a production company based in Bologna, Italy, came together driven by their shared passion for the iconic AF1 shoe, to create a film that would pay homage to the shoe’s 40th anniversary while celebrating its significance in various realms such as sport, music, fashion, art, the street, and the city. The Nike Air Force 1 silhouette has been a canvas for countless artists and designers over the years, but Poli and Undervilla believed that no other model could connect people across different ages, cultures, and languages like the white-white AF1.

The profound idea of people from diverse backgrounds choosing the same clothing item to express their individual style inspired the title of the film – ‘We Are 1’. It symbolizes the unity that the AF1 brings, transcending differences and promoting inclusivity. It also serves as a metaphor for the collective effort to eliminate division in society and encourages embracing the multifaceted aspects of our inner selves.

The team’s goal was to create a timeless film that would resonate with both younger and older generations, conveying the rich heritage of the Nike Air Force 1 Shoes. This sparked a debate on the language to be used in the film, considering the shift in recent years towards more aesthetic and visually-driven storytelling in brand communication. The chaotic nature of today’s world where images come and go quickly without leaving a lasting impact was taken into account. This approach may be contemporary, but it can be disorienting for those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, which includes many AF1 users.

As a result, the decision was made to blend contemporary language with a classical hero’s journey structure in the film. The film features flashing images, glitches, and uplifting music that create a sense of chaos, but there is also a underlying structure, a basic narrative that can be appreciated and understood by people of all ages, and that will stand the test of time. ‘We Are 1’ aims to capture the essence of the AF1’s cultural significance while presenting it in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for audiences now and in the future. It encompasses much more than just a shoe – it represents a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire generations of wearers around the world.

Credits
Created by Undervilla
Campaign: Nike Air Force 1
Brand: Nike
Co-Produced by Combo Film
Cast: Kenji Matsuyama Ribeiro, Arianna Pisano
Extras: Tari, Pepe, Lucia, Olvia, Michael, Niccolò

Writer + Director: Enrico Poli
Cinematographer: Marcello Dapporto
1st AC: Guglielmo Trautvetter
Ronin Operators: Davide Polato, Arturo Bernardi
Drone Operator: Matteo Bombarda
Camera Assistants: Francesco Albano Lorenzo Natuzzi
Gaffer: Jalal Albess
Spark/Grip: Alberto Poce, Riccardo Panebianco
Coreography by K + A + E
Styling by Antonio Labroca, Lucia Calandri
Styling Assistant: Pepe
Production Design: Emaluela Astolfi
Make Up + Hair: Adele Mastrocola
Location Scouting: Aguamala

Producer: Franca Masu
Executive Producer: Matteo Bombarda, Davide Polato
1st AD: Alessandro Puccini
Production Assistant: Francesca Mortato
Runner: Maneul Bin

Editor + Colorist: Davide Polato
Original Music by After Crash (Comakid + Everlasting Joy)
Sound Design by Riccardo Rossi
VFX by Diego + Ameleto @ Bloomik
2D Animation: Matteo Bombarda
3D Animation: Alimik

Camera + Kit: AdCom
Backstage by Julio Cesar De Dominicis
Thanks to Pierluigi, Gatto, Giulia