kungfu-koala Blog

Africa Unite

kungfu-koala — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:21:15 GMT

Normally the mention of Africa in conversation invokes many different visuals. All the childhood dreams of actually going to Africa to see the amazing people and beautiful wildlife have now been overshadowed by the current affairs of the continent. A continent that continues to suffer from decades of exploitation by the wealthy. Where humans have been sacrificed for the pursuit of profit and now ad campaigns selling products in order to help people be socially conscious.

Stephanie Black a director of Life and Debt and H-2 Worker shares her vision of a continent that continues to take on an uphill battle to unify the nations of Africa in order to free Africans and provide them with a promising future. Stephanie follows the Marley family on their first trip to the capital of Ethiopia for the celebration of their father Bob Marley's 60th birthday and to perform in the concert Africa Unite. A concert providing inspiration to bring Africa together to fight against the struggles it faces and to remember a dream of Emperor Haile Salessie I.

The film begins to tell a story of Bob Marley's dream through his family members and the songs they perform of his during the concert. A few interviews from the Wailers provides a great insight to Bob's vision and a journey with the family through the capital shares how much of an inspiration Bob was to his family and a generation of Rastafarian's. While on this journey the family is accompanied by an elderly Rastafarian who never dreamed of actually visiting Zion. Through his enthusiasm the story of being a Rasta is revealed through the history of Emperor Haile Salessie I who stood against the wealthiest nations to ensure his people would be free of colonialism.

Unfortunately, at times the movie feel some of the more important messages of the story are over-shadowed by the fame of Bob Marley. The message of a generation who is inspired by new musicians such as Angelique Kidjo and the lyrics of the late Bob Marley. But, ultimately have to bring Unity to their people in order to solve Africa's problems. A story that speaks of these issues, but only touches the surface. Was this a tactic to draw a larger crowd by focusing on Bob Marley's birthday celebration? Maybe. However, the inspiring story of Emperor Haile Salessie I and the compelling speeches he delivered shed light on what it means to be a Rastafarian and a glimpse into what inspires a new generation of Africans.

Even though the story only touches the surface of Africa's issues it does offer inspiration to a continent that continues to suffer under the wealthiest of nations and corporations. A youthful voice working to create a better future with inspiring words from A story of a fight towards unity, peace, freedom, and equality amongst the nations of the world. An inspiring concert and a generation who wishes to no longer ignore the injustices of the World Bank, corporations, and nations of wealth. A country that wishes to truly be free and to take responsibility for their own actions as a unified nation. A continent that inspired artists such as Bob Marley to raise their voice on issues ignored by most and end up in the back sections of newspapers around the world.

All-in-all Stephanie Black tells an inspiring story of hope that spans for generations. A story that will eventually unfold with great triumph and move a continent from oppression to the forefront of global politics and equality. Africa Unite may over-shadow major issues with a celebrity icon, but shares a great vision that should be seen.

Meant to be

kungfu-koala — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:18:29 GMT

Faith and life often lead us down paths we wished not to anticipate. But a long the way we find ourselves taking for granted the life we have been given. We all have purpose it's taking the time to understand our purpose and remove complaint.

Subtle yet powerful this movie really shows the true beauty of humans. The complexity of emotions we experience. The fate we must face and the choices we are confronted with.

The actresses/actors in this movie are beautifully developed. Very few words have to be shared in such a powerful movie and the director truly captured this spirit of human expression rather then over-acting.

Family Genes?

kungfu-koala — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:41:21 GMT

Can our paths in life be formed by our decisions or is everything set in place by the genes our families? Or do we create our children to be more like us by example? We all face difficulties in our lives. Often times children show more love then we can in our self-indulged lives. However, family is also a friendship that can become strong through weathered times and hold us together. At other times it helps us realize our own faults and where we must change. But with these four women life is a challenge. They are faced with real situations that test their strength and show the areas in our lives where we at times must act more human and less self-centered. To understand problems and pay attention to those in need. Especially in the case of men taking on responsibility in their roles as humans rather then contributing to a cycle of abuse.

Nervous at first

kungfu-koala — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:54:40 GMT

So I first found out about this movie through IMDB while it was in production and became excited to see something a little different from M. Night. However, after seeing the first trailer I immediately lost interest. But after a year I finally had enough courage to spend what little amount of money it costs to rent the film from your local video shop. Before watching the movie I prepared myself... for the worst.

Now... I would not recommend this film to any of my friends. But I will be honest. The movie was captivating and very well written. The approach of cinema-photography and script was almost brilliant in the way it captured people as caricatures. Granted the effects at time were a little cheesy, but the story had a youthful spirit. But maybe this is what happens when we face a post-modern world that requires everything to be perfect and a true reflection of reality.

Or... maybe my taste is declining.

No matter I thought the movie was worth the money and would have taken the time to see it in the theaters.

Upcoming directors

kungfu-koala — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:01:11 GMT

The upcoming generation of directors is definitely something to keep your eye out for. Taking a risk in letting actors/actresses take over their roles with improvised acting stands out in this movie. I was lucky enough to sit in on a discussion with the director to see his approach to making this film and really admired the approach of working together closely and developing relationships to deliver a wonderful movie. These characters did a wonderful job at carrying out the life of 20 year olds struggling with everyday issues of relationships.

Religion, culture, faith, politics and war

kungfu-koala — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 03:45:26 GMT

A young boy faced with questions of religion, politics and family. A boy wishing to enjoy his youth is forced to attend school of strict religious beliefs. But as he returns to his village he always finds himself in the midst of freedom and expression through religion, rather then authority. Which also begins to reveal the disentigration between family members they face powerful events in their lives.

A beautifully shot film that truly explores religion, politics in a country struggling to find a voice and friendships that are more of love then power.

Upcoming Film Directors

kungfu-koala — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:40:12 GMT

There is a great group of young directors making their way There is a great group of young directors making their way into the film industry and this is by far one of my favorite films by this new generation. A subtle and beautiful dive into a generation of young individuals growing up in Brooklyn. Quiet moments of great scenes and funny situations that humanize the characters on the screen.

It was also a pleasure to be able to view this at the BendFilm Festival this year and also had the pleasure listening to a discussion board that included the director Aaron Katz. Look forward to future movies from Aaron.

Poetry on film

kungfu-koala — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:13:34 GMT

A elegant and beautiful study of the human dancer and camera working together in poetry. A must see for artists/film-makers.

Dreamer and Poet

kungfu-koala — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:40:32 GMT

A beautiful movie that dives into the explorations of choreography and applying poetry to the the screen that often feels dead. A must see for cinephiles and poets. Without a doubt tone Maya was one of the most brilliant film-makers of our time and challenged the status quo of movie making.

Perpetuating Hate

kungfu-koala — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:27:53 GMT

A movie that appears to be very harsh and crude at first as it dives into the lives of three young men trying to survive in the French projects. However, through time we begin to fully understand the hate that eventually feeds on less fortunate individuals when authority figures abuse the power they have been entrusted with. Maybe... something must first be questioned at the top before blaming those on the bottom.

The movie is also beautifully shot in black and white which delivers a more deep relationship with the characters in general.