Nollywood

The Nigerian film industry aka Nollywood is experiencing an explosive growth and productivity rate thanks to the rise of digital cinema. In fact it ranks third, behind only America and India in terms of cinematic output often churning out 200 [!] titles a month. Its estimated worth is about 250 million US dollars and many Nollywood films deal with heavy subject matter; AIDS, corruption, women’s rights, etc etc. There are also apparently a huge number of blatant evangelical vids passed as entertainment. I NEEDED to quench my thirst for Nollywood with a youtube expedition immediately. Let me just say, thirst SATIATED.
The following two clips are trailers for Mama I Will Die For you and Alice My First lady. To call them visually assaultive and incoherent feels lazy. I heavily considered the possibility that someone had slipped acid into my afternoon tea or I was having a psychosomatic breakdown.
It seems the people who cut commercials for Truck Rallies or the crazy Used Car salesmen spots where everything must go had a hand in the making of these trailers. That being said I'd still rather watch either of these over half of what is currently playing in my local cineplex.
Caution: I do not recommend watching both trailers back to back as the experinece is somewhat exhausting. Also, It is now one of my goals in life to appear and/or participate in the making of a Nollywood feature.


So a little further investigation into Nollywood finds some similarities to our very own Hollywood. Here is Hassanat Akinwande, a popular actress who started her career in the 80's and has appeared in over 50 titles. However, in 2006 she was arrested for cocaine possession. Just like our stars! Here's hoping she beat those charges.

I felt the earth move under my feet

I had my first earthquake! I feel like a true Angelino. I may never leave now.

Proud Mary Keep on Burning

When I was in middle school I was pee shy. I would get nervous when using a urinal with people around and I really wanted to conquor my fear as I felt like it would be another step towards becoming an adult. Then I saw What's Love Got To Do With It? the Tina Turner biopic and I remember there was a scene that really affected me. Towards the end of the film there is a part where Tina having embraced Buddhism explains to her friend the mini temple she has set up and the phrase Nam Myoho Renge Kyo which she describes as chanting to find peace of mind, calmness, serentiy, blah blah blah. So, of course, being the absorbant sponge that most 12 year olds are, I decided to practice a little Buddhism the next day after a few too many capri suns. Low and behold, it worked. From that day on I have been able to pee next to someone, often with zero inhibition. Perhaps sometimes, I'm a little overzealous in my desire to pee next to you. What I really want to say is, thank you Angela Bassett.

It will be 1982 forever

Everytime I think the current music trends are escaping from the late 70's early 80's post punk dance sound I usually stumble upon some undicovered [at least for myself] band from that era who help explain a lot of the current faddish bands and sounds.

Did everthing happen in 1982? It seems this entire decade in terms of indie rock is indebted to this magical year/era. I guess it could be worse. This is quite enjoyable but the modern day filtered down versions; Vampire Weekend, Hercules and Love Affair, not so much. Bring on the 90's!

American Obsession with Teen Pregnancy Continues

From Zap2it.com: Despite ho-hum reviews, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" drew in a record number of viewers to ABC Family. Tuesday night's (July 1) debut of the teen pregnancy drama by "7th Heaven" creator Brenda Hampton was the network's most-watched original series premiere ever [for the channel]
Apparently the series creator Brenda Hampton has gone on record saying that she has nothing to say about teen pregnancy. She is just creating a character who happens to get pregnant and is in high school. Hmmmm, this from the creator of 7th Heaven, a family melodrama that was known for its blatant Christian moralizing. Isn't lying through your teeth a big no no for the Jesus believers?
Anyway, I thought I'd call attention to the O.G. baby keepin' anthem since we're on the subject and all. Madonna's Papa Don't Preach! Apparently the video was met with serious controversy because she was accused of "glamorizing" teen pregnancy! Ha! If those accusers saw Juno or Secret Life now, they'd probably seizure in abject horror. The music video in comparison to those delightfully light comedic confections comes across like a stark neo realist cinematic entry from the early 60's a la Pasolini's Mamma Roma. Anyhow, the video boasts some classy production values i.e. Danny Aiello as her father! Maybe they can turn this music video into a series for the PAX channel. Do they do that now? Remake/reimagine music videos? If not, they should. I know I'd love to see Everybody Hurts: The Movie.

Happy Birthday America!

Happy 4th of July!

This makes me feel patriotic [no sound because Prince is a lame control freak]

God Bless America!