Okay, mea culpa. I pay absolutely no attention to Kwanzaa. I know there are seven somethings we are supposed to be about and there's a candle. That's it. But when Ms. Maya Angelou updates her Facebook friends by sending out three emails in a row about something, even I have to take a look. Here's the scoop from the official website:
The Black Candle is a landmark, vibrant documentary film that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience.
Narrated by world renowned poet Maya Angelou and directed by award-winning author and filmmaker M.K. Asante, Jr., The Black Candle is an extraordinary, inspirational story about the struggle and triumph of family, community, and culture.
Filmed across the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, The Black Candle is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) are relevant today.
The first feature film on Kwanzaa, The Black Candle traces the holiday's growth from the first celebration in 1966 to its present-day reality as a global holiday embraced by over 20 million celebrants.
With vivid cinematography and an all star cast that features NFL Legend Jim Brown, Hip Hop icon Chuck D, Kwanzaa's founder Dr. Maulana Karenga, artist Synthia Saint James and many others, The Black Candle is more than a film about a holiday: it's a celebration of a people!
Based on the trailer, it looks like it wouldn't kill me to do a little research. I did go ahead and buy it here because you know, it's Maya Angelou and she's generally about something meaningful. So I guess I need to ask, does anyone have recommendations for quality documentaries, movies, shows, literature, music to share for the season?
9 Bougie Thought(s):
Thanks for this.
Wow, this is a WHO KNEW? I'll check it out. *guilty of ignoring Kwanzaa*
Cool.
Worth a look. Kinda sad this is the first I'm hearing about it.
Kinda cool - I hadn't heard anything about this. Thanks for the heads up!
Was this released in theatres? Interesting.
Thumbs up on this post. I tweeted about this movie this past summer when people were complaining about Tyler Perry. Want a non-stereotypical black movie? Here ya go. Mad at the Hollywood machine? Well check this out. @thelazzyone (I know, I know) on Twitter can tell you more about the movie. His organization - Roots to Freedom - helps promote it: http://www.rootstofreedom.org/
How did you manage to avoid Kwanzaa all of your life? :P
I recommend checking out Equinox. Trailer here: http://www.equinoxmovie.com/
The Equinox soundtrack is also nice (I like Mos Def): http://www.equinoxmovie.com/soundtrack.htm
And FELA!!! http://www.felaonbroadway.com/ (if it helps any - because you know how we don't like to step out of our comfort zone - it's a Shawn Carter, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith presentation)
No. Because most quality black films never make it to the theater. We have to do our own research to find them. Try checking out local black film festivals for good choices.
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