Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project (2023)
Presented by Steppin' Into Tomorrow & Black Soil Film Festival
DJ: Abiba / Live: Sydney Lowell (Spoken Word)
- Price:
- € 12
- € 0 Cineville gratis
- Valid for Cineville More info
18:30 Doors / DJ ser by Abiba 19:00 Introduction 19:10 Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project (2023)
Together with the Amsterdam music platform Steppin' Into Tomorrow and Black Soil Film Festival we dive into the life of poet and activist Nikki Giovanni. At 80 years old, she continues to challenge conventions both in life and in art. While promoting a new poetry collection, battling breast cancer, and mending her relationship with her son, she resists a traditional documentary approach, famously stating, “I remember what’s important and I make up the rest.” Filmmakers Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson create a vivid portrait infused with her poetry, narrated by Taraji P. Henson, and featuring memorable moments from Giovanni’s life, including her 1971 conversation with James Baldwin. The film won the 2023 Sundance Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary.
Before the film there is a performance by spoken word artist Sydney Lowell. For the manifestation of spirit, for connection, and as a call to love and introspection, the Amsterdam-based Sydney Lowell is a poet out of necessity. She considers her poetry not only a reflection of her internal world, but as an extension; an extension that allows her to operate as a messenger. Sharing messages about individual or collective reflection, spirituality, love and growth. Sydney Lowe wears the role of a poet with pride, honoring the rich
ancestral oral tradition that paved the way. Every performance is an invitation to connection and an energetic exchange with her audience.
Also there is a DJ-set by Tilburg-based DJ and performance artist Abiba who challenges the lack of diversity in Western-dominated electronic music. In her mixes, she draws inspiration from across the Black music continuum and their abundant histories of communal celebration and community.
After more than 10 years of absence, Black Soil Film Festival is back, and bigger than ever. Originating in 2003 as Europe's first hip-hop film festival, it has now expanded its focus to encompass the broader scope of black culture. It's a celebration of the African diaspora, which is at the heart of the emerging black European art movement NOW!
Melkweg often hosts different types of programmes at the same time, such as concerts, club nights and films. Please note that there may occasionally be some noise pollution from other programmes during the screening.
