Break - naive cinema
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There is a classification when it comes to art - nave art. As another definiton goes: Nave art refers to the work done by an artist who was not trained in an academy or other traditional manner of art education. It is characterized by an unusual approach to the formal qualities of painting and awkward drawing skills, resulting in an almost childish image. But there is no such class for films…
The other day I had the privilege to attend the world premiere of a film titled Ray of Hope - Fallaar Ilays. The movie was created by the 19-year old Muuxi Adam, a young Somalian refugee who tells the story of his community and the tough, often life-or-death choices young refugees and immigrants must face in their new home lands. The one-hour docu/drama was written, directed, and stars members of the Winnipeg Somalian community. This is more or less the text from the invitation. Not very exciting I have to admit, and unless you have a personal interest in refugee and immigration issues, not even very inviting.
How could we know before? How could we know that if there isn’t, from this day on there should be a film category called “cinema nave”? It was amazing, touching and wonderful.
In Winnipeg there is a growing stereotype about crimes, drug and unsafe street: African youth gangs. I think it is a reality that has to be faced, handled - and changed. On the other hand there is this young kid, who arrived to Canada less than two years ago as the only survivor of the family in his homeland and had this strange idea of making a movie.
And he did make a movie. I loved that movie. I loved even more the same naivite exposed at the discussion after the presentation. Naivite, faith and joy. It was a lovely evening.
On top of all this it made me especially happy that all the local politicians were too busy to show up, so nobody gave a boring “multicultural” speech. Now, that’s what I call a break!
November 23rd, 2006 at 22:30