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| VIDEO PREMIERE: A CAUTIONARY TALE FROM CHINA'S SU YANG |
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 Su Yang (China)
"Phoenix"
It took us over a year to get a broadcastable version of this video but it was worth it; it is both beautiful and timely. As farming people in China emigrate from rural areas to the city, and as a life close to nature is replaced by one of industrial stress and pollution, singer Su Yang finds that there is much to be learned from folksongs. "Phoenix" is derived from a folksong of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which describes an idyllic life and love. Visually, this is represented by a huge tree, in which all things are provided. But the tree is corrupted at its root, as the natural source of its vitality is replaced by machines. The results are disastrous, but like the Phoenix, a new beginning may be possible. Su Yang sings with great passion, and the song itself has a durable melody that lends itself well to a modernized rock setting, where the sound of the Chinese erhu seems to be equally at home. The dazzling animation is by Hu Zhong Qiang. |
| THE VLOG: PROGRESSIVE PERUVIANS NOVALIMA AND THE MEANING OF "COBA" |
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 Novalima have been galvanizing audiences worldwide with their blend of Afro-Peruvian songs infused with reggae, hip hop, electronica-- even heavy metal! In this day-glo interview conducted in New York in the midst of a national tour, they discuss their music, their video "Coba Guarango," their turntabling alter egos "Coba Soundsystem" and the myriad meanings of "Coba." |
| CINEMONDO: MODERNITY AND RELIGION CLASH IN "TAKVA - A MAN'S FEAR OF GOD" |
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 Takva - A Man's Fear of God
Directed by Ozer Kiziltan
Turkey, 2006, 96 minutes
Winner - FIPRESCI Prize, 2007 Berlin International Film Festival
Winner - Innovation Award, 2006 Toronto International Film Festival
Muharrem is a simple man. Shy and humble to the point of unworldliness, he lives a life of devout prayer, and takes comfort in ecstatic trances at his local mosque, which is presided over by a charismatic sheikh. It is precisely for his innocence and honesty that the sheikh decides to entrust him with being the rent collector for the mosque's considerable holdings. Almost overnight, Muharrem is transformed from a day laborer and cipher to a cell-phone carrying, suit wearing mustachio'd VIP who can walk to the head of the line at the bank. But behind his new trappings, Muharrem is still the same, and he is deeply troubled. He cannot reconcile the strict teachings of his faith with the tasks he must carry out for his mosque. Takva asks the essential question: Can one be truly pious and live in the material world?
Set in Istanbul, the film lingers on the face of both old and new neighborhoods, and Erkan Can's extraordinary performance as Muharrem won him a "Best Actor" award at the Anatalya Golden Orange Film Festival.
“A richly textured, thoughtful exploration of the hypocrisies inherent when fundamentalists engage in commercial ventures, Takva — A Man’s Fear of God reps a strong new voice in Turkish cinema.” — Variety
Airdates
Saturday, August 1st 08:00 pm (PT) 11:00 pm (ET)
Wednesday, August 5th 05:00 pm (PT) 08:00 pm (ET)
Thursday, August 6th 12:00 pm (PT) 03:00 pm (ET)
Friday, August 7th 02:00 am (PT) 05:00 am (ET) |
| AFTER "TAKVA" SEE INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR |
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 In this revealing interview taped in istanbul Ozer Kiziltan gives detailed information about the making of "Takva - A Man's Fear of God." He discusses his own journey as a film maker, and the directors who have influenced his art. He also discusses his decision to cast Erkan Can in the cnetral role, and the nature of being a Muslim in modern day Turkey. This interview is also streamed. |
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