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M.K. Asante, Jr.‘s Shortlist

Published on January 19, 2009

The Shortlist article series is your opportunity to learn about the films that inspire intellectual, artistic and activist leaders—leaders like M.K. Asante, Jr. We asked M.K. Asante to share his favorite films and his thoughts on the power of documentary to change the world. So what films make M.K. Asante’s Shortlist? Keep reading to find out.

Who is M.K. Asante, Jr.?

M.K. Asante, Jr.

M.K. Asante, Jr., 25, is an award-winning author and filmmaker who the Philadelphia Inquirer calls “a rare, remarkable talent that brings to mind the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance.”

He wrote and produced the documentary film 500 Years Later, winner of five international film festival awards. His latest film is The Black Candle, narrated by Maya Angelou it uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience.

Asante is also the author of three celebrated books: Like Water Running Off My Back, Beautiful. And Ugly Too, and It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop.

He is a professor of film and creative writing at Morgan State University.

You can learn more at his website, www.mkasante.com

M.K. Asante, Jr. on the Power of Film

I believe in the power of documentary film to transform, inspire, encourage and ignite. I have devoted my being to it and I have been a witness to its transformative power. It is the cousin of the narrative feature, but unlike the narrative feature that usually ends with a perfect resolution, the documentary relies on the viewers to finish the story, to complete the resolution, to be a part of the solution.

M.K. Asante, Jr.‘s Picks

Ilha Das Flores (Isle of Flowers): This 12 minute film is perhaps the most powerful documentary I’ve ever seen. It changed my life and should be watched by all. Do you know what the Isle of Flowers is? Do you know why it exists? Watch this film!!!!

The Agronomist: An extremely powerful film about Haitian media revolutionary Jean Dominique. This film illustrates the power of media in our time and also shows the tenacity of the human spirit.

Classified X: Melvin Van Peebles, one of the godfathers of independent Black film, takes us on an unflinching journey through the history of Blacks in cinema. If you don’t already know that hollywood was built on black exploitation, check this out. If you do know, watch this to find out how we can break the cycle!

American Blackout: An especially important film to watch during this political season. For a better understanding of race and electoral politics, check this out. Brilliantly told by the crew from GNN.

Favela Rising: This film, shot in Brazil, illustrates the power of music and art even amid the hardest conditions. Again, the power of the human spirit to be free, to reach others, to build and grow community and to overcome is evident in this masterpiece.

Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-PartHarmony: An extremely powerful film which shows the power and critical role that music played during the People’s revolution and fight against apartheid in South Africa. Brilliant, stunning and important and urgent and amazing. Check it out.

Bastards of the Party: What an amazing film! This film shows the history of the Bloods and the Crips, illustrating how they went from community organizations whose mission it was to help the community and to bring about revolution, to killing each other. The filmmaker, a Blood himself, makes an urgent plea to end the wretched cycle of death and destruction. This film is about resurrecting brothers and sisters!!!

500 Years Later: My first film project. This film explores the psycho-cultural effects of slavery and colonialism on the African diaspora.

Wattstax: This is one of my favorite films. Stylistically, it celebrates Black culture while making some very critical political points. This film is musical, visual and simply awesome. Watch it now!

This article is available for noncommercial use under a Creative Commons license. It was originally published on MediaRights.org, a project of Arts Engine, Inc. This notice must accompany the article at all times.

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