Viewing entries tagged
film
On a NomadnessX Trip to Dominican Republic, the Tribe decided to shoot an idea on what it would be like to take people out of the country for the first time, to get their first passport stamp, simultaneously inducting them into the Tribe. We had a camera, a trip, and an idea. Let's see how this goes....
... I've kept my phone off today. A conscious decision after sorting through the cerebellum last night. Instead of the usual -- wake up, eat, check Facebook, start working on Nomadness-- I pulled myself away from my patterns, in an essence to (ironically) explore them in a different way. I wrote in my journal for nearly an hour, flushing thoughts and decided to do one of the only things that actively keeps me away from work...indulge in films.
Last night's dream completely f*cked my head up and totally has me one track minded to get back to Japan at some point in 2013. I have to. It's no longer an option. No longer an oasis. To continue feeding the Japanese frenzy, I popped in 'Lost In Translation'. A film that the first time I watched, I didn't get. The silence made me uncomfortable, and at that point in life I wasn't a traveler.
Then I moved to Japan. Within the first few months of living there 'Lost In Translation' became less a film, and more a mantra of my life for the year. It's so on point with its depictions of being foreigners in Tokyo. Today, while in bed viewing the film, I related on another level. The level of allowing people into your life, for however short the time period, and knowing that at some point, you also have to let them go. In my memoir, there is a chapter I wrote called 'Attachment, Detachment'. It's a theory in Buddhism, as well as a recurring theme in the life of this nomad.
...and now. Waking Life. My three favorite films are Dead Poet's Society, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind..... and Waking Life. Garner from that whatever you will. In a simple sentence the film is based on the exploration of the line in the opening scene 'Dreams are destiny.' Waking Life, is how I live my life, and sometimes I need the reminder...an adamant, aggressive, all encompassing reminder. Peep the clips below from one of the most genius films on the face of the Earth.
For the traveler in me...the curious child inside that will never die... I stick onto the quote that bridges both films for me today.
Waking Life
Boat Car Guy: I feel like my transport should be an extension
of my personality. And this is like my little window to the
world... and every minutes a different show. I may not
understand it. I may not even necessarily agree with it.
But Ill tell you what Ive accepted: just sort of glide along.
You want to keep things on an even key, this is what Im saying.
You want to go with the flow. The sea refuses no river.
The idea is to remain in a state of constant departure while
always arriving. It saves on introductions and goodbyes.
The ride does not require explanation - just
occupance. Thats where you guys come in. Its like you
come onto this planet with a crayon box. Now you may get
the 8 pack, you may get the 16 pack but its all in what you do
with the crayons - the colors - that youre given. Dont worry
about coloring within the lines or coloring outside the lines
- I say color outside the lines, you know what I mean?
Color all over the page; dont box me in! Were in motion to
the ocean. We are not land locked, Ill tell you that.
http://youtu.be/s0TvZRcwz4I - Embedding not allowed, follow clip link to view
Pharrell Williams: Hiro Ballroomm NYC
Tonight was the night. I showed up, not sure if my name was on the list (which I'm still not sure I ever got confirmed) to catch the official screening of Pharrell's documentary on Tokyo's sub culture post the tsunami and nuclear reactor explosion on 3/11. 'Tokyo Rising' director, Thalia Mabros, pieced together the magic that was this thirty minute documentary. Invigorated, heavy with nostalgia, and on a networking high I watched the screen in front of me in awe.
Dumbfounded, as usual, by all that Tokyo has to offer and how unapologetic Japan is with its sense of style. So far out the box, it's hard to even encapsulate it in words.
The energy was well...New York. Networking proved to be priceless, and I was able to continue to spread the word on Nomad•ness Travel Series amongst people who really get it!
One day I'll really be able to go in and let you all know the details of tonight. Until then let the imagination wonder and I promise that the movement continues. Shouts out to Pharrell, Karmaloop TV, and Palladium Boots for putting this together.
CHECK PART 1 BELOW and WATCH THE REST AT PALLADIUM BOOTS!
PS. Don't forget to 'Like' the Facebook Fanpage HERE. You guys rock!
Kanye West & Jay-Z: Watch The Throne Documentary from introspective on Vimeo.
The music game is changing. it's more personal. It's more behind the scenes. It's more about what went into, not just what was created. Up and coming artists of all kinds should take note. Be and document...you.
The main duty I have at my job is to screen films. Seriously. I watch a ton of movies, including porn. Some in full, but most in about 5 minute brackets. Yes, this is my job and as much as that may have excited a few of you, it gets tired, repetitive, and depressing when you hit your 5th X-Rated horribly made flick of the evening. Trust me.
Every once in awhile there is a film (99% of the time an independent film) that will stop you in your tracks, make you reevaluate life, and even make you cry (another not so cool perk of the job).
Tonight, it was Stanley Nelson's "Freedom Riders". A recount, from the past Riders themselves, on the story that shook the civil rights movement, the White House, and the world. America was portrayed as having this American dream, yet it's own Black citizens couldn't travel from city to city, by bus, in the deep South, without their lives being threatened.
The only goal they had was the right to travel through the South, from one bus terminal to another, and test the segregation laws in each city. They were greeted to fire bombs thrown on buses, extreme violence against their non-violent demonstration, the KKK, and incarceration. All of which they flipped into a positive connotation of fighting for Freedom.
The documentary goes into the politics, shot callers, and even Dr. King's reluctance to join the group, which he never did. He fought for them, but not with them. Many layers and dynamics, and I sat there watching this poignant film, saying to myself...what if they never did this?
Would I have the freedom to travel state to state, let alone country to country? Would I even be able to obtain a passport, let alone use it? If this didn't happen, what other event of this magnitude would have led to the freedom of travel?
I can only be thankful for this crusade that commenced less than a month before my mother was born. It directly, and indirectly, allows me to do what I do now with such freedom. I don't take that for granted. I dedicate a part of my journeys to the Freedom Riders. Know you are still recognized.
Thank you.
With the push of the DRT.BGs and promotions for Berlin, Nomadnesstv.com word is spreading everywhere. So much so, it caught the attention of another female world traveler, Dash Harris, creator of the phenomenal women's website venusgenus.com.
We linked yesterday, filmed a dope bit for the promotion of Nomad•ness TV, to be featured on her site, and talked for over two hours.
One of those people who you just meet but you feel as though you've known them for years already. We spoke about similar travels in Europe, being noted by foreigners as the only Black woman they've seen travel alone, ever. We're a rare breed....for now. Nomadness is working on that.
Dash has Panamanian, and subsequently, African roots. Dash put her 2 week notice in to her most recent job and is ditching the work force to pursue her passion. My kinda woman!
She just started a 45 day Kickstarter to help get her documentary, Negro, funded at $5250! The documentary takes an innovative look at the African Diaspora and its influences on Latin cultures. Dash found something that is personal, in some areas of the world controversial, but definitely poignant and is on her way to telling the story in her own way. I dig it!
If you can pledge, please do to her project of Kickstarter.
Link to her Kickstarter is HERE!
Tonight was really the first night where the weather was actually comfy enugh to rummage around the streets of New York City.
After busting down a spoken word piece, my first performance in over five years, I wasn't ready to go from the gig straight back home.
Getting acclimated to the shift in weather, as much as I am the shift in my relationship status, my brain needed to clear itself and all I wanted to do was walk. Walking in NYC, especially at night, is like my favorite past time. From 29th and 3rd Ave I started heading toward Grand Central, when something told me to reroute and head back to my favorite part of Manhattan, the Village. Union Square is the spot and I trudged there in my own zone.
Upon reaching the park, there were a huge circle of people and what looked like a laser show going on. They were filming a movie, and apparently the actors were jumping rope with light sabers????
I don't know...what do you think? Pretty cool. I love NYC when it's warm. you never know what you will stumble on. Even at midnight.
BlackFeet Films presents "A 'Fishy' Story" from Shalako Gordon on Vimeo.
Not only do great minds think alike, they sometimes get to join forces and wrk together too..
Black Feet Film has put together a teaser for their upcoming series "Father and Sons".
The preview includes two of NYC's greatest talents, Nelson Estevez and Robbie Morgan.
The men are great individually, and better working together.
Check out the trailer above.
I know I'm behind the curve on this one, but yesterday I took myself out on a movie date.
I finally got the chance to see The Social Network. Honestly, it blew the business section of my mind to bits. I remember, yesteryear, thinking that I was truly born in the wrong generation. I love old-school music, am a fan of revolutions, and really dig natural hair...being a teenager in the mide 70s/early 80s could have been my thing. Yet, this film alone made me realize I was born in the extact time and place I was supposed to be. The limit of the internet is, in fact, limitless.
Underneath stellar writing, and Oscar-worthy acting and directing, I was drawn most to the genius the portrayed Mark Zuckerburg had in relation to the human condition. Finding out that the creation of Facebook stemmed from a drunken night blogging, after his then girlfriend broke up with him, just goes to reinforce that most people do need 'projects' to get over lost love. It just so happens to be that his was the seed that planted a multi-billion dollar empire.
It ignited a fire underneath me, in regards to my projects and how they relate to social media. Any business that does not take this form of networking on seriously, and internationally, is already ions behind the curve. We live in a time where you can connect to anyone. If you have a great idea that goes viral, someone with the power and the money will see it. Limitless. The internet is a universal way of almost equalizing opportunities between the haves and have nots. That, in itself, is priceless.
Yes so, if watching with smart eyes, this film is no less a piece of art as it is a full on case study, breaking down technology as much as it disects greed and ego. A must see, and see again.
The businesswoman lurks...
Darren Aronofsky, one of my top five favorite directors, has his newest film out for wide release as of December 22nd. Check the trailer above. There's already an Oscar buzz, which is so crucial to the backing of independent films.
Those in New York City are lucky enough to be able to catch it now. Check local listings.
Art Basel is one of those amazing arts shows, that doesn't happen in New York City, so it pains every time I re-remember it. Pains me because I tend to remember it within a week of its happening. Just because I can't go, doesn't mean you can't. Here I am to inform you, and to swear by this site that I will do what needs to be done in order to get there for next year.
I mean damn, even if for no other reason, who doesn't want to get out of New York City cold (in December) to enjoy art on the beaches of Miami? (Hand raising.) The first time I heard about it, was sadly, when I couldn't attend to see my own video displayed there. 'Stress' was a part of the festivities three years back.
So here are the details....
Art Basel
Miami Beach
December 2-5, 2010
Tickets:
One-Day $36
Two-Day $60
Permanent Pass $75
Tickets also available through Ticketmaster
The official site with all the information is HERE!
Anyone who goes, hit the site back with your opinion on how it went!
Amanda Diva is back again with a new video and song release for "Manchild".
You know I love me some Black/White, whether film or photography, so I had to jump on this one for sure. Former photo client, homie, and definitely a Black Girl that Rocks, Nomad•ness supports the artistry and power of this woman. She constantly travels around the country performing her spoken word, painting at live art shows, and recently filming her videos for Creative Control.
These same efforts have led her onto international ground (only appropriate considering her Grenada roots) in cities like the ever under-rated Berlin.
Keep on keeping on! The video is tight. Check it out.
Tyler Perry strikes again, with the fillm rendition of "For Colored Girls" to be out in theaters in November. I wil definitely be seeing this upon my return to New York. Check the trailer out. I'm down to round up troops, Ladies and make this a group outing. Welcome back?
This was the line that formuted at 3:25pm for the 3:45 showing of Eat Pray Love at the Loews Theater on 19th and Broadway, in New York City. I couldn't believe it. I mean, it's a Friday. Did these people not work, take a half day, edge themselves into a hyper extended lunch?
The theater was full. For nearly two and a half hours I analyzed the film and came to a few conclusions:
1. The book was better.
2. Julia Roberts was a perfect fit for the part.
3. Nomad•ness and NYC•Gaijin have a serious purpose in my life.
4. Boyfriend got like 1000000 points for making it through the travel chick flick with me.
5. If you've ever been to Italy, India, or Bali (I have India) prepare yourself for a painfully real sense of nostalgia.
It was a good movie portraying a great book. I wasnt throw aback, and to be honest........it assured me of how innovative my sense of travel documentation has truly been.
This is one of those moments when Facebook rectifies itself for intruding so much into people's privacy. Jean-Michel Basquiat has a fan page that I came across. Being the self-proclaimed Basquiat historian and fanatic that I am (I have a wrist tattoo of a section of one of his paintings), naturally I clicked the 'Like' button.
On the page, unbeknownst to me, is the promo trailer for a film that, apparently, has been showing at the Film Forum in NYC. In bold white lettering, the top of the page states that these are the last two weeks of showings, it must end on August 24th!
No one said anything to me about this! Arrangements have already been made to go. This is crazy! I'm so excited!
This trailer for "The Radiant Child" is a snippet of the film, which has been doing well for itself, scoring awards at Sundance and SXSW.
Oh Jean-Michel! You and Rudi be good up there. My two Haitians.
INFO ON FILM FORUM SHOWINGS HERE!
