Educational Media Reviews Online

The award winning filmmaker Inge Blackman captures in this film the lasting impact of slavery on black families in the Caribbean, especially the relationship with her mother. This autobiographical journey explores through a collage of memories, the notion of belonging, tradition and family ties shared not only by the people in the Caribbean, but by all immigrant communities.

Blackman and her mother share memories of her upbringing which was surrounded by European and African religious traditions. A series of imagery juxtaposing people in European and African garments with the Caribbean beach landscape provide a dreamlike visual that communicates a tribute to their ancestors. Also, scenes of sugar cane plantations where two women tend the crop enhance the notion of the harsh life and suffering experienced by the Africans who were brought into slavery. Despite the beating that she suffered as a child, the adult daughter mentions her mother’s support and love when, during college, she revealed her sexuality.

This video is an artistic manifestation based on Blackman’s personal story and not a documentary per se. Although the narrative suggests a critique of slavery and violence and points to the affliction and anguish experienced by slave populations in general, these viewpoints are presented through storytelling and contain no documentary elements substantiating these themes. Nonetheless the film points to complex themes of racial standpoints and sexual identities and the universality of human rights.

This film is recommended as an addition to debates and discussions on slavery, sexuality, gay and lesbian issues, and human rights.