The Micheaux Manifesto

My personal manifesto as a filmmaker is named in honor of Oscar Micheaux because he exemplifies my intentions as a filmmaker. As he I have also and intend to continue to have artistic, political and financial independence from the decadent, materialistic, and "anti-art" rule of the racist and sexist Hollywood system. I am a filmmaker, I specify the word filmmaker because I make and I intend to continue to make "films" not "movies". Another reason I specifically choose to use the word filmmaker and not director is because the term "director" implies an authoritative figure. I see film as an collaborative art form and I see the art form too lucid to have rigid boundaries of roles set for a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, music director or screen writer. I intend to transcend these imaginary boundaries and be involved in all aspects of film making throughout my life. I see these different roles complimentary and for me the lines dividing the roles have blurred and meshed together. My desire is to make films with a crew of friends not co-workers or colleagues. As a group of friends we share responsibilities and work side by side to achieve a group vision, as opposed to an hierarchical military like dictatorship. Just as I wish for myself independence as a filmmaker I wish for my fellow filmmakers freedom. Therefore I intend to make film not as a employee nor employer but as a team member. I am opposed to the employee/employer relationship and refuse to be on either side of that reality. I want to be involved in films that I "believe in", projects that I see as valuable, inspiring, challenging and fun. I believe that the process is as important as the product. I believe that the entire journey from conception to delivery should be a valued experience and no stage in the process should be perceived as any more or any less important. Further I believe that the energy and vibes of the filmmakers will be infused and reflected in the final product. If filmmakers passionately believe in and enjoy the project the film will be a success regardless of all else. Film making is an art and we have much to learn not only from the film but the process as well. The act of making the film should be approached with care and consideration. I believe that film making is the greatest art form and noblest profession. I want to create original films with unique topics and plots, utilizing creative filming techniques, I want to create film that is provocative, thought provoking and revolutionary, I want every aspect of my films to be innovative and offering new options to society. I want to create films that stimulate the audience and I believe that the process should equally stimulate the filmmakers and society. The history, challenges and techniques of Oscar Micheaux's are just as inspiring as his films. I intend to follow his footsteps, honoring his example.

I intend to create art in the form of film
To work on projects that I "believe in"
To value, learn and enjoy the process
To work with individuals that I "believe in"
To not limit myself with titles or roles
To be politically, socially and ethically conscious
To neither be oppressed nor oppressing of others
To never sell out

I intend to make Films not Movies!

Films Vs Movies
What is The Difference between a Film and a Movie???
A "Film" is made for artistic, political or educational purposes
A "Movie" is made primarily to make money while sometimes being entertaining


Friday, December 7, 2007

Installations

The installation were great. My favorite thing about it was the freedom to do new things with film. All the groups exploited this freedom. It was cool and fun for me reciting poetry. I think that Angie was a great director and all the groups impressed me.It was also great seeing the projects from other classes. I think that it was really cool having a end of semester festival. I hope I will be invited next year. I wish the weather was just a little warmer but it was really not a big problem. I am sad that the class is over I really had fun and learned a lot. But I am equally happy and excited about next semester. I have a lot of really cool classes and plus I will be graduating. It is amazing how quickly the semesters go by, I really feel that I have learned a lot here at UNCW, refined my film taste, developed great network of fellow filmmakers, mastered the basics and fundamentals of film making -still have a lot to learn, but I know how to learn and what to learn now. Been a great semester we had an awesome class, I am really happy I took this class.
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I have always loved this image. The meticulous craft work of the goldsmith. The glittering and shining of the jewelry against the color of her face and dark lips. The emotions pouring from her eyes. She says a lot but I do not know what. She is very beautiful though her face is concealed.

Fire’s dance is hypnotizing. It composition and substance is so unreal. Lucid and articulate flames grab hold of my attention drawing me deep into it. Lost in its color and shapes….So to this “still” seems to be moving.

I love the colors in this image, the shades of orange blue purple and pink. The clouds seem to be painted on.

This is a significant photo. It is significant because Malcolm X was a political leader and civil rights activist yet he is seen holding a rifle peeking through a window. Does this discredit him as a leader? Does it negate his message to empty rhetoric? Or does this escalate his position as true freedom fighter? Rebel ? Terrorist? Does it imply that the nation is in a civil war/race war? Malcolm X is presumably in his own home. What are the photographer’s intentions? What were Malcolm’s intentions in taking this photo? What was he saying? What does the photo say?

I love the use of shadow and light. The simple and straight forward style of the photographer rhymes with the facial expression of the “subject”. The make up looks like tears but why is he crying? I do not think that he is crying but some how he looks like he is.

This image is very intimidating and overwhelming. The image is shocking yet very simple. The sharp edge is like a razor. The image is also very hypnotizing.

I love the texture of this rust. I can almost feel the dry “rust dust” between my finger tips. Looks cold. The close up amplifies the coldness of metal and the particles of rust dust that I can not rub off my hands.

I love the geometry of this image. The sharp straight lines and the diagonals. Boxes, squares and rectangles. The curvy staircase seems to move like a wave or a snake.