Film examines ‘colorism’ issue
Haiti-born filmmaker Francesca Andre has accomplished quite a feat with her film “Charcoal” — a fiveminute work that tackles the continuing, generations-old issue of black women vehemently hating the dark skin they’re in.
The 2017 film’s subject is colorism — defined as prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone.
Influenced by predominately white societies, colorism is widespread among black women — eating away at their self-esteem and maintaining an enormous industry of skin brighteners fading creams, bleaching treatments and other skin lightening products.
The film stars Chengusoyane Kargbo, Lorry Francois, Heather Smith, Kweta Henry, Destiny Derosiers, Deanna Derosiers and Khamaly Bryan.
The next screening of “Charcoal” will be Feb. 9 at St. John’s University’s Manhattan campus, 101 Astor Place, at 7 p.m. as part of “Claudia Rankine’s ‘Citizen’ in Pictures” event, curated and moderated by Michelle Materre of the Creatively Speaking film series.
For information on the Andre (photo) and the film, visit www.francescaandrephotography.com.
“Malcolm X: An Overwhelming Influence On The Black Power Movement!” — a personal and intimate portrait of the late activist’s public and private life — is part of the select works at the “The Best of the African Diaspora International Film Festival.”
The Malcolm X documentary and the docudrama “Barrow: Freedom Fighter,” about Barbados’ first prime minister, are two of the festival films screening Friday, Saturday and next Sunday in Manhattan at Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th St. Directed by Thomas Muhammad, the 92-minute Malcolm X film follows the black leader’s early life and the powerful and compelling impact his actions and words made on black Americans and others.
“Barrow: Freedom Fighter,” another ADIFF screening later on Saturday, examines the life and deeds of Errol Barrow, the political leader who steered the more-than 300-year-old British colony of Barbados to independence in 1966.
“Barrow” is narrated by Eric Holder, the former U.S. attorney general, whose father was born in Barbados. The film will be shown at 8 p.m. and there will be an award ceremony and reception. Weekend festival passes are $60 per person. Individual tickets are $13 for general admission and $11 for students and seniors.
For tickets and a full schedule of films, visit www.nyadiff.org.
With the arrival of 2018, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley is looking to the future and is scheduled to speak to the residents of the nation today at 7:30 p.m.
Rowley’s address, “Towards A Better Future for All,” will be broadcast on CNMG TV 6, CNC3 and on Talk City 91.1 FM radio. Celebrating the famous Haiti’s Tabou Combo band’s 50th anniversary in style, the group will perform in Paris at the Le Zénith Paris — La Villette — and the public has an opportunity to attend. Gina’s Weekend travel firm is offering a “once in a lifetime” trip to Paris and Versailles from May 21 through 28, which includes Tabou Combo show and more. The travel package can be paid in $500 increments, with final payments due by March 1. For reservations and information, call (718) 949-7772.