Below are Amy’s SELECTS:
This film actually got me into filmmaking. I made a photo series inspired by it, which led me to explore storytelling further in my work, and moving image followed. I really admire the film’s unconventional portrayal of love and intimacy, and I especially adore Wing Shya’s on-set images. To me, they tell a completely different story.
This was my first introduction to Senegalese cinema, or at least the first one I remember. I first saw this film in middle school, at a French school in the US. It already meant so much to me to discover this gem from my home culture in this unexpected setting, but also to see such an archive of Dakar. I especially love the way the film captures the city’s energy. Mambéty’s work has continued to inspire me ever since.
One of my favorites. Everything about this film is so inspiring- visually, the colors, the compositions, costumes, the sound, Gong Li, everything!!! – and the way every detail comes together to tell a story that is still so relevant today.
A prime example of a film that you can tell was made with so much love. A nuanced portrayal of community and culture in the face of systemic marginalization. It’s an especially interesting watch given what Williamsburg looks like today.
This is one of the first music videos I remember watching. I love the whole world they created around the album and the storytelling. It takes me back to a very specific time in my life, and I feel like the video somehow also captures it so well :’)
You just had to be there for this one. This collab, the dance, the sagging skinny jeans, the story, the fact that she ends up with a lightskin man…I mostly didn’t grow up in Africa, but how blessed I am to have been there for P-Square’s late 2000s-early 2010s run.
Thank you for everything Michel Ocelot!!! Animation genius.
Every time I watch this one it goes straight to my heart.
As a lover of contrast, shadow play and vivid colors, I feel like animation often conveys the images I have in my head more faithfully, so I’ve been getting more and more into it. I love Robert Valley’s style.
