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.