Four films and four different perspectives on dealing with the hardships of life: “History Matters,” “The Devil Within,” “A Day in the Life of a Street Sweeper,” and “Every Child is Our Child.”
Huda Abdul-Razzak’s “History Matters” is short, sweet and to the point. The film spotlights how the dissemination of controlled information influences the news, knowledge, truth, and perspectives. The film is based on a U.S. news report about the “war” in Gaza. It switches between interview footage and a mock news report. The central question is whether the “war” in Gaza can really be identified as a war? “History Matters” is a powerful eye opener, and yet, the filmmaker never shows footage from the tragic incidents in Gaza. The film stands on its visual storytelling merits.
Jac Ash’s short animation “The Devil Within” would be perfect for the Cartoon Network channel’s Adult Swim. Think “Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil” and “Moral Orel.” The film is witty and risqué, with a dash of controversial. It is a comical look at judgmental people who lash out and try to spread their poisonous hatred onto others. The film positions “the hater” as a hypocrite, thus illustrating how haters are not so perfect either. It also associates judgmental people to devilish and evil ways.
Steven Flor filmed “A Day in the Life of a Street Sweeper,” because he was inspired by “the unnoticed heroism of the street sweepers in the Philippines and the sacrifices that they live with each day.” The documentary is fascinating and interesting as it follows Angela Navecilla, a woman trying to support her four daughters and five grandchildren. Despite Angela’s struggle and hard-stricken life, she remains optimistic and proud of her job; her tone even hints at honor. She insists that her only wish before she dies is to be able to afford her own burial! Flor hopes “the audience will learn that even in a life of poverty, values such as love, compassion, honesty, and integrity are present in their [street sweepers'] lives.”
In “Every Child is Our Child,” Andrew Kornhaber documents a community’s response to the challenge of HIV and the actions it takes to save its orphaned children from a lack of an education and the absence of parents. The people of Manya Krobo, Ghana believe that “education is a powerful weapon against AIDS.” Every Child is Our Child is a program created by the Unitarian Universalist United Nations office and the Queen Mothers Association in the Manya Krobo region of Eastern Ghana. The film’s message, the dedication of the Manya Krobo people and the children’s aspirations are moving, inspirational, and beautiful.
Today, I’m looking at two polar opposite films. First, there is “Maleldo,” a film that documents cultural and religious traditions and practices that – trust me – are not for the faint-of-heart. And, then there is “City of Noise,” an explosion of art and music.
Andrea Capranico’s “Maleldo” explores the religious fever during Holy Week in San Fernando Pampanga in the Philippines. This film is a graphic, bloody and fascinating learning experience. Throughout the film, the people in San Fernando Pampanga attempt to prove their faith and to express their penitence by sacrificing, flagellating, and participating in crucifixions. Watch “Maleldo” to witness the dedication, passion and pain behind the people’s beliefs, sacrifice and symbolic solidarity.
In “City of Noise,” Mitch Barany imagines a surrealistic world with popping visual effects for The Summerlad’s music video. Watching this video makes you wonder if Barany was inspired by Tim Burton’s fantasies and Salvador Dali’s artwork. Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte’s Man in the Bowler Hat comes to life, getting a face and an identity, and Thing from the “Addams Family” makes a cameo appearance. The whole film is like a psychedelic out-of-body experience that leaves you wandering in a maze of rooms and scenes.
Last week, I had the privilege to screen some of the amazing entries to the chashama Film Festival. And here I thought life after college would be boring! I just learned that those four entries were accepted into the festival. Exciting, right? I’m so impressed by how multicultural the festival is. Of the four films that I wrote about last week, “Marathon Beirut, For the Love of Lebanon” hails from a filmmaker in Asia, “But Some Are Brave” is from a filmmaker in Africa, “Ein weites Feld (Expansive Grounds)” was made by a filmmaker in Europe, and “Dirty Step Upstage” comes from a filmmaker in the USA.
Now that the films selected for the festival have been announced, I have the official green light to begin our chashama experience. Remember, I am serving as your awesome, all-knowing film guide. So, without further ado, here is a look into “Her Special Day.”
Written and directed by Casey Moore, “Her Special Day,” is an American short film that will send chills rippling down your spine. It’s not Freddy Krueger scary, but definitely “The Omen” (1976) creepy. The opening scene recalled a particular passage from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein where the monster comes across a little girl playing by the lake. The film also opens with a little girl playing near a lake, and the entire time, I was half-expecting Frankenstein’s monster to sneak up from behind! Throughout the film, you’re bothered by an uneasy feeling that something is clearly wrong. I don’t want to say anything spoiler-y. I will just end off by warning you, that after watching “Her Special Day,” you will feel the need to constantly look over your shoulder – and keep a close eye on your parents.
