There have been countless engaging films highlighting visual artists: Martin Parr. Maybe the documentary format particularly shines when presenting remarkably striking photographs. Here arrives a new exceptional case, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, exploring the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and social justice champion who embodied a special cultural-activist perspective.
Alongside his brother Elombe, he pioneered the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by documenting the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging African American women who transformed into the transformative archetype for visual appeal, moving beyond conventional grooming practices and the predominant white model of femininity.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase became a radical unifying message, an inspired three-word prose poem for progress. Simply declaring that African Americans possessed beauty emerged as a empowering power in art, social movements and the arts. Brathwaite emerged as part of the Black power global Black movement by documenting Muhammad Ali leading up to his iconic Zaire bout in 1974.
He became the exclusive image creator for the musical group's African tour, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the iconic cultural institution, assembling an incredible archive of black musicians. In collaboration with his brother, he became the driving force behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to appear in Harlem.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr is interviewed the their quest to secure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was unjustly overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, established by the political leader in 2016.
This documentary also recounts the deeply tragic origin of the artist's interest in visual storytelling: the shocking photographs of the young victim, the teenage Black murder victim whose mourning family member defiantly insisted on an open coffin so the brutal truth of racist violence might not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
From this image of tragedy, the visionary found a type of anti-epiphany that guided him toward images of community. His work powerfully conveyed community pride and often nuanced in approach: he curated a fresh visual language of strength upon which activist groups could gather.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating testament of cultural impact that still inspire through the years.
