African filmmaker to teach techniques of film, preserving history
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By: Alyssa Griffith, Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Arts
Acclaimed independent filmmaker Haile Gerima travels the globe teaching cinematography workshops for interested film students.
That journey has led Gerima to Chapel Hill, where today he will begin a weeklong residency at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center.
Much of Gerima's work chronicles themes and story lines within the context of the Stone Center's film series, "Cinemas of Resistance."
"His body of work and recognition for these elements are astounding and further helps exemplify the richness and depth of film derived by the stories and depictions of people of color," said Ursula Littlejohn, program coordinator for the Stone Center.
Gerima's residency will include conducting a three-part master workshop in filmmaking open to those interested.
"The workshops are open to anyone from novice to experienced filmmakers," Littlejohn said. "We expect a kaleidoscope of faces and points of reference to join us."
Gerima's films document the human condition. He is perhaps best known as the writer, producer and director of the 1993 film "Sankofa."
The internationally acclaimed film is a historically inspired drama portraying African resistance to slavery.
"We must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward; so we understand why and how we came to be who we are today," Gerima said.
Today's workshop will focus on script writing structure in the context of a person's culture. The second workshop will cover how to take a personal approach to documentary filmmaking and the final workshop will center on the relationship between directing and visual dramatics.
Gerima will also present audiovisual excerpts of his previous and upcoming films Thursday evening.
"It is my hope that the participants of this week are able to gain insight into the artistry of filmmaking, as well as acquire skills and directives that may enhance their own works," Gerima said.
Within his works, Gerima attempts to preserve culture and history without embellishments for future generations.
"I'm heavily invested in the notion that the filmmaker be engaged in a constant process of self-reflexivity and learning along with the community he serves," Gerima said.
As one of few African filmmakers who has gained international recognition, Gerima said he believes his films should counter stereotypical Hollywood films.
"I never wanted to be part of an industry that fails to represent the world as it really exists," he said.
Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.
That journey has led Gerima to Chapel Hill, where today he will begin a weeklong residency at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center.
Much of Gerima's work chronicles themes and story lines within the context of the Stone Center's film series, "Cinemas of Resistance."
"His body of work and recognition for these elements are astounding and further helps exemplify the richness and depth of film derived by the stories and depictions of people of color," said Ursula Littlejohn, program coordinator for the Stone Center.
Gerima's residency will include conducting a three-part master workshop in filmmaking open to those interested.
"The workshops are open to anyone from novice to experienced filmmakers," Littlejohn said. "We expect a kaleidoscope of faces and points of reference to join us."
Gerima's films document the human condition. He is perhaps best known as the writer, producer and director of the 1993 film "Sankofa."
The internationally acclaimed film is a historically inspired drama portraying African resistance to slavery.
"We must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward; so we understand why and how we came to be who we are today," Gerima said.
Today's workshop will focus on script writing structure in the context of a person's culture. The second workshop will cover how to take a personal approach to documentary filmmaking and the final workshop will center on the relationship between directing and visual dramatics.
Gerima will also present audiovisual excerpts of his previous and upcoming films Thursday evening.
"It is my hope that the participants of this week are able to gain insight into the artistry of filmmaking, as well as acquire skills and directives that may enhance their own works," Gerima said.
Within his works, Gerima attempts to preserve culture and history without embellishments for future generations.
"I'm heavily invested in the notion that the filmmaker be engaged in a constant process of self-reflexivity and learning along with the community he serves," Gerima said.
As one of few African filmmakers who has gained international recognition, Gerima said he believes his films should counter stereotypical Hollywood films.
"I never wanted to be part of an industry that fails to represent the world as it really exists," he said.
Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.
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