Strictly speaking, there are many notably good depictions of Africans on the screen, many decent projects out there. But this material is in the minority, overwhelmed by the dross of really bad work being produced not just by non-Africans but Africans as well. It is also really hard to find, let me tell you. If you want to collect good African screen work, you have your work cut out for you.
So when I came across a couple of interesting projects on the net: Siri ya Mtungi, which I had heard about, and The Team- Tanzania Edition, I thought I would write about the catharsis that comes with being able to watch local work that is clearly trying to introduce something different, fun, better. Even if it is being funded by donor money.
Another piece on the Voices of Africa blog, making the choice between Nollywood and NeoTanzanian* work.
Admittedly it is a matter of taste, but I do think that there is something not only artistically criminal, but socially damaging about producing bad cultural products.We need to support the arts, not just the business end of entertainment.
*Kind of like (good) Bongo music, but on screen.
This is awesome!
ReplyDeleteAs a movie lover and an Africa lover, rarely do these interests intersect.
Darn you, it's bedtime now and I'll probably be up for a bit now checking out these sites ;-)