TAN the Afro News is honoured to present a quick review of the African Interest Films at the Vancouver International Film Festival. For film information, Showtime’s and ticket sales on www.viff.org Also, the World Poetry Café Radio Show and the www.worldpoetry.ca site will offer interviews as requested..
The Vancouver International Film Festival is presenting some delightful, thought provoking and empowered films this year. Get your tickets and let me know what you think of them. I will post your comments on my Facebook page and read them on the World Poetry Café Radio Show, CFRO, 100.5 FM! ariadnes@uniserve.com
Finding Fela. USA/UK/Nigeria/France
Time :119 min
Alex Gibney
Stars: Fela Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Femi Kuti.
Oscar winning director Alex Gibney brings Fela to life in this rousing documentary containing concert footage on this well known musician who created the musical movement Afrobeat . Fela also helped to bring change and democracy to Nigeria through his music mixed funk, jazz, traditional African elements and revolutionary lyrics. He also promoted pan Africanist politics to the world.
Timileyin Olajuwon, poet and World Poetry Youth Peace Ambassador from Nigeria writes:
“Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a Yoruba/Africa legendary artist/singer. He is still a great Afro – Musical singer in Africa, the hero of social change. Fela’s songs are deep with messages of change and peace.”
The Wild Years.
Spain 2013/73 min.
Director Ventura Durall.
Amharic, Catalan with English Subtitles.
This human interest film features 9-year-old Daniel and 12-year-olds Habtom and Yohannes living on the street, sleeping in an abandoned car and struggling to survive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city. The film presents the struggles of three young boys, some of the 270, 000 street kids living in the capital Addis Ababa. After the youngest kills his stepmother they flee gangs and violence to return to their villages . The audience follows their adventures as they journey home. An interesting look at their different personalities and how they deal with change.
Run
Ivory Coast/France.
Director: Philippe Lacôte.
Actors:
Abdoul Karim Konate, Isaach De Bankole, Abdoul Bah,
Rasmane Ouedraogo, Reine Sali Coulibaly, Alexandre Desane.
A film that has bursts of extreme violence combined with African folklore mysticism and political upheaval. It tells the story of a young man who is always running from different situations. After killing the nations prime minster he goes into hiding. Flashbacks serve to tell the story of his journey which include spiritual teachings and the difficult life in a nation under crisis.
Nas: Time Is Illmatiic
The lengendary Nas is going on tour to celebrate his ten track 1994 album which is considered one of the most well known albums of hip-hop and which began his career. He is adding his new documentary: Nas: Time Is Illmatiic (Tribeca Film) for special screenings across the North America during the year. Nas grew up in the rough and tumble Queensbridge Housing project and has gone on to recording performances on the world’s greatest stages. He comments that he wants Illmatic to let people know “That hip-hop was changing and becoming something more real.” In the documentary, we view his stories of his father Jazz musician Olu Dara, and the transformation of Nas from a street poet to a well known musician and persona.. The film includes Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier) and musical peers (including Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, and Busta Rhymes.
By reporter Ariadne Sawyer, MA
