THE OBENSON REPORT

Covering Cinema From All Across The African Diaspora
Showing posts with label afro-punk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label afro-punk. Show all posts

'I'm Through With White Girls' - A Review And Recap

Posted on 12:54 PM comments (5)
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As I said in THIS POST, I planned on seeing I'm Through With White Girls at the ongoing Afro-Punk Festival here in Brooklyn, NY last night, but my schedule didn't permit me to. So I didn't see the film after all. I'm hoping I can get a screener from the production team at some point, but no guarantees. Although, I'll admit that the more I avoid it, the less interested I am in seeing it, especially as I read and hear more about it from those who have seen it.

However, I did come across this review of the film, and an account of the Q&A that followed last night's screening, from someone who was actually present for both. The film's director (Jennifer Sharp), producer (Phyllis Johnson) and screenwriter (Courtney Lilly) were in the theatre for the screening, which was followed by what the reviewer called a "surprisingly feisty Q&A." In fact, her rehashing of the Q&A that followed was more interesting to read, than her lukewarm review of the film! Apparently shit got heated between the jam-packed audience and the film's production crew! Now I really wish was there! Oh well...

The extended review comes from Karina Longworth at SpoutBlog.

Here's a snip:

- Last night’s Q&A didn’t even get started until 11ish and it ran long, and yet most of the audience not only stayed, but seemed eager to participate in a real discussion. I’ve never seen such a thing on a Monday night in Brooklyn. But it wasn’t all a lovefest. At one point during the Q & A, a youngish black woman settled in a front row to ask her question––which was really more of a statement of offense. “I’m a blogger,” she said. “And I have a lot of white girl friends. I was going to blog about this movie tomorrow, but I felt like all I would be able to say is, ‘I saw this really funny movie and I can’t tell you the name.’ A mermer spread through the crowd, soft at first but escalating quickly. “Why couldn’t you say the title?” asked screenwriter Lilly, not quite indignant but clearly tired of audiences getting hung up on this very thing. As if certain that she had an unassailable point, the blogger responded: “Well, what if a movie was called I Am Through With Black Girls?” Lilly could barely get his answer out before the crowd erupted in claps and cheers!

Read the entire review and account of the Q&A that followed here: SPOUTBLOG - I'M THROUGH WITH WHITE GIRLS.

Are You An 'Afro-Punk?'

Posted on 7:37 AM No Comments
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I'm actually ashamed to admit that in the 5 years I've lived in New York City I've never once attended the the 4-year old Afro-Punk Festival, even though it's always been in my borough, Brooklyn, at venues that are literally within a 20-minute bus ride from my apartment.

Every year, since the first time I found out about its existence, I've always told myself that I would go to some of the festival's events, but some opposing force pulls me in another direction. I suppose that's one of the challenges (if I may call it that) of living in a city like New York. One feels overwhelmed with the preponderance of available public (and private) activities - so much that often I don't partake in anything at all :o)

But that's no excuse for not attending the festival created by Mr Afro-Punk himself, James Spooner, writer and director of the critically acclaimed 2003 documentary film, Afro Punk: The Rock N Roll Nigger Experience. And this year, I WILL attend the festival of film screenings, live musical performances, parties and more. That's a promise, so feel free to hold me to my words! And I will report on my experiences afterwards.

I of course mention all this, because the Afro-Punk festival is coming, for its 4th year, to Brooklyn, NY, in 2 weeks - specifically, July 4th to July 13th - with a new slate of films, musicians, and other live events.

I'd like to be able to say, from firsthand experience, that it's a worthwhile experience, but I can't, since I've never attended. BUT, I will say that I have the trusted opinions of close friends who have experienced the festival, and they all say that it most certainly is worth your time and money!

So, for those of you in the New York area, or those planning on being in the New York area for the first 2 weeks in July, do yourself a favor and check out the Afro-Punk Festival taking place at several Brooklyn indoor and outdoor venues.

I WILL be there this year.

Go to www.afropunk.com for all the glorious details on what films are screening (a lot of really interesting films from yesteryear - many that I will review on this blog), what musicians are performing, and where all the parties are!
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