FANG: An Epic Journey 2001
Distributed by First Run/Icarus Films, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Ed De Carbo
Directed by Susan M. Vogel
VHS, color, 8 min.
Sr. High - Adult
African Studies, Anthropology, Art History, History, Museums
Date Entered: 02/06/2004
Reviewed by Michelle L. Zafron, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkThe supplementary information on the cover of FANG: An Epic Journey states “A hundred years of history in 8 minutes,” which is about as concise a description of this little gem of a film as you can get. The story starts in early 20th century Cameroon with a white trader carving an African idol modeled after a larger, presumably more authentic piece. From there the Fang sculpture’s journey takes us across time and physical space - first to Africa, then to Paris, Germany, and finally to America. Each time the piece undergoes changes, accidents, and alterations.
Part of what makes FANG: An Epic Journey so clever is that with each vignette, director Susan Vogel uses a different film style and look. Thus we progress from the early days of silent movie era to the German Expressionists to the brightly colored 1950s. The effect is delightfully quirky, but never kitschy. The film boasts an original and creative score. The quality of the acting is more than solid. Aside from a certain visual flatness in the modern day segments reminiscent of industrial films, there is nothing to dislike here.
The film raises questions about authenticity, art, culture, and history, and would be useful in stimulating discussion. It would be an excellent addition to collections supporting art history, African history, or anthropology.