NOWNESS:
Poetic License: Where are the African Gods?
Lyricist Abbey Lincoln’s words are brought to life in this meditative portrait of black masculinity
A moving recording of the late writer and renowned jazz singer Abbey Lincoln is captured in this new film from Brooklyn-born director Rodney Passé, who has previously worked with powerhouse music video director Kahlil Joseph. Reading from her own works, Lincoln’s voice sets the tone for a film that explores the African American experience through fathers and their sons.
“The film movingly captures moments from the perspective of African American men and their sons”
“Abbey Lincoln’s poem is a chilling reminder of black society’s struggle with self-image,” explains Passé. Speaking of the film’s experiment with spoken-word and music, the filmmaker continues: “The arrangement is heart-felt, capturing moments from the perspective of African American men and their sons, while celebrating the essence of black culture and honouring its significance in today’s society.”