Why aren't they're more Black directors and actors?

Brilliant answer from a brilliant artist. McQueen is by far my favorite contemporary director, not only because of his sheer talent but because he is conscious of his craft and the realities within and without it. The reality for Blacks/Latinos in important roles in the film industry is sad but very true but we must acknowledge it, bring it to the forefront so that it may be addressed.

Patience - a profound message

Gracias a la vida!

11-11-11 (New Visions)

An interesting date to announce that I am in the early development stages of a feature film (biopic) based on a legendary African freedom fighter. This is a film that I hope will be my official feature film debut in the festival and/or theatrical settings. I believe that the timing is ripe for a film involving freedom struggles, given the current political climates domestic and abroad. More info as I move along.

Some shorts by friends

Some favorite shorts made by friends and cohorts, Danny Bruno with "In New York" and Enrique Fernandez-Bravo with "Around".

New Fine Art - "Love is Blind?"

In Toronto

Enjoying the sights and sounds of the Toronto International Film Festival and the city of Toronto, Ontario.

Meeting a Spirtual Artist - Paul Houzell

I had the honor of meeting a truly spiritual artist, Paul Houzell, who creates illuminating works that evoke thought with a concentration on the human soul. His work was displayed at the University of Central Florida recently.

A friend heads West

I wish success to my friend and collaborator, Kyle Davidson (pictured left), as he adjusts to being an artist and resident of sunny California. We directed a short film together called "For the Love of Movies" last year. [Photo by Aleksey Siman]

Dead Pan - Steve McQueen's Visual Art

"Poignant" is one word I can use to describe one of artist-filmmaker, Steve McQueen's early visual work. Looking forward to his latest.

TIFF - 2011

I am excitedly going to be attending Toronto's International Film Festival in September. I am especially looking forward to the new films of emerging international filmmakers, favorite new auteurs such as Steve McQueen and veterans like Almodovar. And of course I look to explore the city of Toronto.

A Day in a Life - a short film

A recent short film I created through a collaboration with filmmaker/friend, Aleksey Siman and actress/friend, Christina Falcon:

A History Forgotten - Trailer

The trailer for my new short film:

The Black New Wave

Click on the image and like the movement! Join the group dedicated to the growth of serious independent Black filmmakers/artists!

Like It Is

I haven't posted in a while since I've been busy filming my next piece of cinema! Anyway, its my mission as an artist to inspire, invigorate and awaken through imagery so here a little knowledge for you (in 13 parts):

Cheikh Anta Diop with a dose of History

A Forgotten History - Film Blog

My new short film, Forgotten, tentatively retitled, "A Forgotten History" blog is up here:
A FORGOTTEN HISTORY

A Very Important Program and Series

Watch the full episode. See more Black in Latin America.

I watched this program and was very glad to see a program focusing on Blacks in Latin America as African roots are prominent and dominant in Latin America but rarely discussed or expressed in terms of identity especially on a wide scale among its people, especially those in Spanish speaking countries.

New Blog Layout and Website Up!

As you can see my blog look has been updated and a new website layout separate from my blog is up! Check it out here: www.benjaminmichel.com

Forgotten

My film project, tentatively titled, Forgotten, will be filmed this summer.

The Black Image Reconceptualized through Art - Highly Important Works

It is indeed through images which imprint themselves into human consciousness that preconceptions and ideals are formed. Through due research one can find blacks as prominent leaders of nations, ancient builders of civilization and technologies but more often than not they have been excluded from history books and classrooms. I praise the effort of uplifting the image of blacks which have been highly disfigured, demoralized, tainted and misconceived throughout history.

Photos featured in National Venue Guide 2011

Some of my photos are featured in the "Orlando" section of BizBash's National Venue Guide 2011

California at a Glance

A glimpse of Beverly Hills from my recent excursion to California.

A smile at cinematic beauty: 35 Shots of Rum

A wonderfully executed and poetic film by Claire Denis called 35 Shots of Rum made me an instant fan of Claire Denis although I'm still exploring more of her work. 35 Shots of Rum beautifully photographed by Agnes Godard (making me an instant cinematographic admirer) and directed by Claire Denis focuses on the deep relationship of a father and daughter similar to The Ballad of Jack and Rose without the incestuous undertones. Alex Descas who performs as Lionel and Mati Diop who is Josephine share a dependent love for each other as father and daughter. The film follows the lives of the two in an atmospheric and subtle way in which there are many quiet moments letting the narrative breathe without any sharp dramatic interruptions. The film is reminiscent of Japanese cinema master, Yasujiro Ozu's familial dramas. Everything in the film happens in a seemingly natural pace exposing the normal lives of Lionel and Josephine in magnificent cinematic compositions.

Exploring the photography of James Van Der Zee

I've been exploring the amazing photography of James Van Der Zee which are haunting as much as they are beautiful. I hope to encompass this sort of grace and duality in my photographic work, be it still or moving.

Listening to Orange Juice's "Tides Keep Changing" - A personal review

Upon listening to the music of the band of some musician friends, I felt compelled enough to review their new independent album below:

Orange Juice's album, Tides Keep Changing

The independent release of the Floridian based band, Orange Juice's Tides Keep Changing can be described in many ways. There are many feelings and styles which this album provokes, ranging from Reggae, Funk, Alternative Rock and Soul. Orange Juice's influence from Red Hot Chili Peppers is also strikingly apparent but not to be confused with a cheap or simple imitation of the latter. They may be likened unto the reggae-rock band, 311 as well. Regardless of their influence or similarities to other bands, they are distinct. One word to describe this album within the context of each individual song is harmony. The band lacks dissonance with reinforcement of harmonic and melodic sounds from Kyle Roeser's rhythmic drumming, Alex Casement's guitar chords and Hunter Robinson's light yet soulful voice along with his subtle guitar bass lines. The band's back up vocals and secondary vocals by Kyle Roeser in particular, are subtle interjections that are treatises when they arrive. Although at first listen, the band may seem as nothing more than a jam band with pleasing or complimentary tunes but after repeated visits, the album reveals deeper content and complexity, particularly within its lyrics. Songs like "New Road" or "Somedays" carry lyric content to which everyone or most people can relate to, basically a universal quality. Even songs such as "Broke Local Foolish Goon," despite the song's title, resonates with simple yet notable lyrics which emit soulful honesty. "Don't Waste Your Worries" and "Fly" are conscious and reflective tracks which can be taken as subtly soothing and uplifting. "151" and "Music Makes You Move" are songs that set the tone for the band's jam style along the lines of reggae-rock. Then songs such as "Killing Time," "What Keeps the Love Alive," "Rewind" and "Confusion" let the harmonious guitar chords, melodies and bass lines dictate the song as the vocals and drums follow. In the song, "Somedays," the band's vocal mutuality is expressed with a resonating chorus line. You sense the band's continual growth with a consistent sound especially if their mixtape, The Feeling is given a listen. Also knowing the short period of time (over a span of about 3 months) and conditions (in-house studio) in which these tracks were made, their talent is exemplary to say the least. I personally think the band's potential is clear with their current material and they are definitely on the right track to highly reputable works.

Films on "Your Indie Film"

My films, L'artiste: Un Portrait and For the Love of Movies are currently on yourindiefilm.com, as an online film festival submission.