Postcolonial Film
Review of Unseen by Perivi Katjavivi
Synopsis
Unfolding more
like a conversation than a narrative, 'The Unseen' follows the story of three
wandering souls as they navigate the emotional and physical realities of
post-colonial Namibia. First there is Marcus, an African American actor tasked
with portraying one of Namibia’s historical leaders. Seeking authenticity in
his craft, he embarks on an earnest research mission to unveil the true history
of his character. Then there is Anu, a talented local musician who is having
trouble negotiating between his influences and identity. Lastly, there is Sara,
a depressed young woman uncertain of whether or not her environment provides
anything worth living for.
Press
“The Unseen is an
entirely new kind of cinema, inventing for itself a new language, refusing to
be trapped in the past or shaped by white or western film models the way many
South African films still are. It’s one
of the most exciting and visually beautiful films you’ll see this year.“ –
Charles Blignaut, CityPress, South Africa
“Brilliant and
refreshing. …. [Katjavivi’s] characters negotiate forces of neoimperial
homogeneity in the present, while trying to make sense of the past. … This
portrayal of life in the impact zone of post-colonialism and post-modernity has
real substance and weight.“ – Sarah Dawson, Mail & Guardian, South Africa
“The Unseen is a
powerful commentary on what it means to be a young person in modern-day
Africa.” – Screen Africa
“A cinematic
Namibian love letter to Fanon” – Hans-Christian Mahnke, AfricAvenir
“A strong film of
substance, a film debating issues relevant to Namibian society and the
continent at large. We need more of this.” - Bishop Shekutaamba Nambala, ELCRN,
Namibia
Thanks to the
Postcolonial Studies Association
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