Documentary Overview
- Running time: 54 minutes
- Languages: English (with English subtitles)
- Format: HD
- Co-Directors/Producers: Keren Chernizon & Daniel Siqueira
Short Synopsis
Let go of poor Africa. Still today, the images and narratives of Africa resonating in western mainstream thought allude to an eternally poverty stricken people helpless in the economical, ecological and political turmoil of their own making.
While purporting to capture these stories to spark change for a people in need, this over-exposition has curated lucrative stereotypes in developed countries for companies in the charity sector. Blackwash is a feature length documentary de-constructing this imagery, mixing contemplative cinematography, provocative social commentary and stylish contemporary film making.
Co-directors Keren Chernizon and Daniel Siqueira curate a collage of sights, sound and voices from cocoa farmers, fishermen, artists, athletes, activists and policy researchers across West Africa, contrasting western projections against the everyday diversity of it's citizens.
Full Synopsis
Still today, the images and narratives of Africa that emerge and resonate in mainstream western thought allude to an eternally poverty stricken people helpless in the economical, ecological and political turmoil of their own making.
Drowned under the stereotyped pictures of misery are whole different sides to this story, "Blackwash" brings to the surface the relationship between the frequent media offensive portraying Africa negatively, the social capital this image fosters for people in developed countries involved with saving Africa and their role in feeding a multinational billion dollar charity industry.
Beyond it's role of providing a wealth of raw materials, Africa is the prime exporter of "feel good" stories marketed to wealthy donors looking to make the world a better place, indulging the participants with a heroic consumption story where deaths can be prevented and political conflict avoided with the swipe of a credit card.
“Donate Now!”
Bono, Rihana and Angelina Jolie speak to us on our duty to help. The entertainment industry's love affair with philanthropy is part of an insidious marketing strategy used by celebrities and corporations to whitewash lavishness necessary for the successes of their brands, as beneficial to the people most at risk of exploitation by the irrational overconsumption their brands inspire and reinforce.
While not pretending to know the answers to fix this complex relationship, the film attempts to shed a light at the connections between the cultural forces feeding our misguided narratives of our own benevolence, how they affect foreign policy, facilitate the spread of extractive industries simultaneously with charity organizations marketing tragedy, perpetuating distortions and exaggerations about an entire continent.
An hypnotic visual journey through vast landscapes of salt lagoons, beaches and forests intertwined with the routine of cocoa farmers, fishermen and artists juxtaposed against adopted values of consumerism, indulgence and celebrity extravagance of a culture in pursuit western style modernization.