New film on the way directed by a close friend of the artist. Check out the details below…
In his short career, Jean-Michel Basquiat was a phenomenon. He became notorious for his graffiti art under the moniker Samo in the late 1970s on the Lower East Side scene, sold his first painting to Deborah Harry for $200, and became best friends with Andy Warhol. Appreciated by both the art cognoscenti and the public, Basquiat was launched into international stardom. However, soon his cult status began to override the art that had made him famous in the first place.
Director Tamra Davis pays homage to her friend in this definitive documentary but also delves into Basquiat as an iconoclast. His dense, bebop-influenced neoexpressionist work emerged while minimalist, conceptual art was the fad; as a successful black artist, he was constantly confronted by racism and misconceptions. Much can be gleaned from insider interviews and archival footage, but it is Basquiat’s own words and work that powerfully convey the mystique and allure of both the artist and the man.
I caught the promo for Rise up, a documentary about Reggae music on Large up. The screening of the documentary will take place at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center on February 25th. Below is the trailer for the movie.
I came across this over the weekend. Share and share alike they say, right? See the video below…
AFRICA UNITE is a singular and masterfully executed film by Stephanie Black that is at once concert tribute, Marley family travelogue, and humanitarian documentary, igniting the screen with the spirit of world-renowned reggae icon BOB MARLEY in its every frame. In commemoration of Bob’s 60th birthday, AFRICA UNITE is centered on the Marleys’ first-time-ever family trip to Ethiopia in 2005. Includes rare footage of Marley.
I caught this on Seen, and this post deserved a re-post. We’ve posted plenty of stuff that documents the rise of the sound system into its current roots of Hip-Hop etc… This is the story of how Reggae formed from Rhythm and Blues Ska, and Calypso to name a few influences.
Tonight, the Caribbean Cultural Center in conjunction with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation present a screening of When The Spirits Dance Mambo, the critically acclaimed film co-directed and produced by Bobby Shephard and Dr. Marta Moreno Vega. Check out the details below…
Tracing the role of sacred African thought and practices in the formation of Cuban society, culture and music, the documentary is a tribute to the spiritual energy that traveled form West Africa to Cuba and New York. The film was shot over a three month period in Cuba and New York. “When the Spirits Dance Mambo” documents the roots of the sacred African religion, La Regla de Ocha (known as Santeria). There will be a question and answer with Dr. Marta Moreno Vega directly following the film.
Hansborough Recreation Center
35 W 134th St
New York, NY 10037-2503
(212) 234-9603
If you haven’t gotten the chance to check out Estilo Hip Hop and you’re in our area, now’s your chance. The Maysles Cinema in Harlem will be featuring the film for a three-day engagement. Check the info below…
Thursday, August 20th - Saturday, August 22nd @7pm
Estilio Hip-Hop
Loira Limbal, Vee Bravo (2009) 56 Min
ESTILO HIP HOP chronicles the lives of three hip hop enthusiasts from Brazil, Chile and Cuba who firmly believe that hip hop can change the world. These three inspirational leaders mobilize young people to become politically active. However as the stakes assume greater risks, the leaders are faced with challenges and have to make life-altering decisions that ultimately impact the course of their lives and of the hip hop movement.
The Maysles Cinema
343 Malcolm X Blvd.
(Between 127th and 128th Street) Mayslesinstitute.org
