Sing For Darfur
Posted by Michelle Moquin on January 10th, 2010
I enjoy finding interesting articles that are not really known throughout my community, or even the world on a large scale, and presenting them to you. It makes me feel good when I can spread the word about someone or something and help extend their reach. I stumbled upon this filmmaker from the Netherlands, Johan Kramer, featuring his first narrative feature: Sing For Darfur.
Designed as a not-for-profit project to raise awareness both of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur and the western world’s general indifference to it, Johan Kramer’s Sing For Darfur won “Best European Dramatic Feature” at the European Independent Film Festival, 2009
about the film
Sing for Darfur is not a documentary. It’s not shot in Darfur. It’s not something you’ve seen before. It’s a feature film, shot in Barcelona, where we follow in a quick pace lots of different people, most of them very busy with themselves, on the day of a special occasion: An international pop concert to help the people of Darfur, Sing for Darfur.
In one take, the camera moves through the streets of Barcelona, stopping in about 30 people’s and one dog’s lives. Stylishly capturing the speed, the hustle and bustle, the trying, the missing, the pushing, the forgetfulness, the carelessness and the blindness in monochrome;Sing for Darfur also notes the daily routines and small talk of a city. On this day in Barcelona there is a lot of talk about Darfur. And this talk explains not just the chasm between Barcelona and Darfur, but also the loneliness, fear, racism and helplessness in Barcelona.
Yet, Sing for Darfur is far from grim. Rather, with a light and humorous touch, it provocatively asks those questions, the answers to which make this world a somber place. Do we still have time to care? How come we are so indifferent? Do we still have feelings to care for our fellow humans in Darfur? The film is accompanied by an amazing soundtrack with bands like Underworld, The Cure, Yoko Ono and a very unexpected ending with a song by Spanish folk singer Luis Llach.
Here’s the trailer:
Readers: It’s awfully quiet around here. I Hope all is well wherever you are, in whatever part of the world. Miss you.
Peacin’ out….
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my ‘Donate’ page)
January 11th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Doug:
I feel much the same as you, angered and saddened. Obama’s election gave me high hopes. But with all the racism in this country, his opponents have been blocking his every move. This is the saddest part, because Obama is black, the racists would rather see him fail than to do what is best for the citizenry of this nation. This is what angers me.
I have signed every petition, called representatives on the phone, ( they failed to mention that they do not represent me), and even donated to causes I could not afford to but did so anyway.
What will it take to effect positive change? I don’t know.
Michelle’s blog has been effective in promoting change, otherwise the powers that be would not be bothering with blocking her readers from commenting.
Michelle: you are making a difference. Nice post about Darfur, those people there really need some help and you are a voice that is making that known.
When will you be heard?
Al
January 11th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Al,
I have been reading a book called “The Intention Experiment”. It is a study about the psychokinetic and parapsychological powers humans possess. As well as our connection to the universe as a whole. Obama took this same information and formalized it and focused it into his campaign to give a mass belief in something. That mass belief was taken on by the people of the world and he became the first elected non-white President of the racially divided country America.
There is power in mass thinking. This is also deduced in a book call “Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets” to which I also recommend. The GOP understand this power and use and manipulate the press to sway the beliefs of the broad general public in order to regulate or control the power that is capable when the masses believe in something.
However, studies show, that it does not take many, who truly believe that can make an affect a situation.
What is needed for people to do is to maintain their belief in the change they became to believe in. However, it is also necessary to let go of any expectation on how that change will manifest itself. We must continue to believe in the idea that Obama created, knowing, the universe will deliver the change we intend. But it is not up to us to know what that result will look like or where it will actually come from.
Keep up the fight!
January 11th, 2010 at 8:55 am
I believe you Doug, and I believe in the universe’s ability. Universe do your thing, I will stay out of your way.
Al
January 11th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Doug:
“The Intention Experiment”, would that be by Lynne McTaggart?
Al