Let me begin by apologizing for the “dear
diary” nature of what you’re about to read. I’m sorry and I promise that it
won’t always be this way. I can hear my YouTubing brother yelling at me about
consistency now. It’s just that I forgot how much I love college. I got
back to school a few days ago and recently had my first day of
classes. But bear with me; this actually is about both film and Black
people.
Sometime during my first year of college, I saw
this film called Sugarcoated Arsenic by two Black UVA professors, Claudrena
Harold (“YASSS” personified) and Kevin Jerome Everson (my new, well renown, bomb film professor).
This short film is about the Black Studies Movement here on my campus. I highly
recommend it. I was so excited to see that there were people on campus making
the sort of art that I am interested in making. Furthermore, these people are
in a position that gives me the opportunity to learn from them. So, naturally, I
wiggled my way into the class. Right about now, I feel like my decision-making
and maneuvering skills are on fleek.
It’s only been one class and I’m already like
“Yes. I will be a filmmaker. This is going to happen.” By simply emphasizing
the importance of art in society, Professor Everson reminded me that my
perspective is valid. Furthermore, he pointed out that my perspective is
valuable. No one else can say what I can say. That goes for you too. The thing
I like most about his philosophy is the emphasis on the importance of what’s in
the machine instead of the machine itself. You can replace a camera, but you
can’t replace the glimpses of your mind that you use the camera to capture.
He explained that we are “exposing the world to our ideas.” That’s beautiful.
I think we’re about ready for a kumbayah or something.
Let me tell you, Professor Everson is quirky as
a mug. And I like it. He rambles and jokes and muses, while still managing to
really teach me things. He would honestly probably offend like forty people
that I know, but he’s right up my ally. He says what he thinks and doesn’t
apologize for it. His mind is a constantly moving machine.
Just like our fight for freedom can’t stop, neither can the production of
art. I really dig what happens when you put those ideas together. That’s me.
Art for freedom’s sake. This semester’s got me feeling like it’s all really
going to happen.
He kept saying, “You have to make something.”
He figured that sitting and musing about art is less important than actually
making it. I think that I agree. My only stipulation is that I think that it’s
important to take in the things that others have put out for two reasons. One:
inspiration matters. Perspective has to come from somewhere. I’m not advocating
copying, I’m just saying that Dr. King read Gandhi before he just started
marching down hostile southern streets. Two: “Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.” If I make something, I want someone to see it. I’d like to
return the favor. My point is that now, you’ll also be getting a taste of what
I make or how I make it. I still want to tell you what inspires and repulses
me, but I also want to share how that affects my work.
I’m telling you, this film class has me so hype
right now. Like wow. I’m ready to create and inspire and make moves. Moves and
movies. I think that this semester, I will really gain some tools to do
that.
Now, I feel like making waves isn’t just a
dream, but a tangible and necessary reality. No longer can I only write about
art; I have to continue to make it, as well. You all stand as witnesses to my
personal challenge. While I’m here for the next three years, I want to fully
immerse myself in all that Black culture and art has to offer. In turn, I hope
to use what I learn to pour back into our legacy. This is all starting to sound
like an admissions essay, but can I just have this moment? Black people have so
much to say and so much to give. Our ideas should be at the forefront of films,
too. As I walk these “grounds” I’m preparing to make something deep and
beautiful and spiritual and powerful and rich and intelligent and creative and
soulful happen. Y’all ready?
Go make Art
ReplyDeleteWill do :)
DeleteYesssssss! I am ready!!!!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Thanks for reading!
Delete