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


Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Blog on Blogging

Before my Intro to Documentary Film last semester I did not know what a blog was. Now after 2 consecutive courses with Shannon Silva I am well introduced to the world of blog. I had always heard of blogs in reference to online political discussions but I have come to learn that blogs are much more. Blogs can take the form of political commentary, news, online diary, online discussion groups on any topic and much much more. There are travel blogs, photoblogs, fashion blogs, legal blogs, political blogs, artlogs, vlogs( video blogs) and splogs (bloggs used for spamming). The purpose of my 2 bloggs in class have been communicatioin with group members, professor and class. One of my blogs have also served as a platform for historians to debate the 1898 Race Riots/Coup de tat/Rebellion/Massacre.....the debate still lingers on my blog as to what the right term should be. My blogs have been used to publicize the films I am working on and whats going on in my life and to present my ideas and opions. I really enjoyed using one of my blogs to announce my Artistic manifesto- the "Micheaux Manifesto". Some bloggers have used blogging to attack political leaders such as Trent Lott in 2002, which gained a lot of attention. But bloogers have also been under fire too. One blogger in Egypt named Amir (no relation) was arrested for insulting the President of Egypt- Hosni Mubarak. Howard Dean and Wesley Clark set up blogs to voice their opposition to the Iraqi War. Some people have have been fired from their jobs for their blog postings. Soldiers in Iraq have set up Warblogs detailing their experiences in the war as they happen. Blogs offer new possibilities for news, mass media and marketing. During Hurricane Katrina local bloogers assimilated information that the major networks were neglecting. Brad Templeton proclaims that one of his blogs- http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/ created Aug 7 1987 is the oldest blog in the world. Though sometimes I am neglectful of my bloggs i am really proud of them especially this one and I intend to utilize this in the future as a way to present my opinions and experiences. I am also happy to have a platform to present my theories and philosophy on life and art. Well there is a lot of information on blogging and one could never cover it all in one blog or blog posting.
Peace
Amir
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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.