All the Ladies Say 2013, originally released in 2009
Distributed by Third World Newsreel, 545 Eighth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018; 212-947-9277
Produced by Full Circle Productions, Inc.
Directed by Ana “RoKaFeLLa” Garcia, Gabriel “KwikStep” Dionisio
DVD , color and b&w, 45 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
African American Culture, Latinos (United States) Dance, Music
Date Entered: 03/16/2015
Reviewed by Monique Threatt, Indiana University, Herman B Wells Library, Bloomington, IN“Nobody has any idea that, because there’s probably a move like some guy does or some girl does …that it really originated by a woman. Sometimes the role model for a B-boy is a B-girl.”So few films, if any, provide an intimate look at the role of women in hip-hop as told from the perspective of a B-girl—a female who breaks on the beat/ beat girl /graffiti artist. In addition to defining her role as a woman, girlfriend, mother, a B-girl must be confident, and her skills “on fleek” to compete in dance battles against both men and women. As filmmaker and pioneer B-girl Ana “RoKafeLLa” Garcia points out, “B-girls are warriors.” Indeed they are.
Funded by a 2005 Ford Foundation grant, Garcia sets out across the United States to initiate and participate in discussions among major B-girls, vis-à-vis community gatherings, conferences, and workshops, to answer questions about the culture of hip-hop, the expectations of a B-girl, the fears, and the future. The film brings together past and present pioneers, movers and shakers, such as Baby Love (Rock Steady Crew, Young City Girls), Aiko (Quick Style), Lady Champ (Chicago Champions Crew), Vendetta (Burn Unit), and Peach (Unique Force). These women engage in conversations about the history of the B-girl in a male-dominated culture, the differences between a B-boy and B-girl, femininity, relationships, battles, motherhood, and overcoming health issues.
In closing, the film does an outstanding job showcasing the mental and physical determination of these courageous women who deservedly have earned a place in hip-hop culture and history books. Additional interviews provided by: Asia One, Beta, KwikStep, Buddha Stretch, Medusa, Candy Fac, Violet, Tara, Nurse Boogy, Nika, Queen Godis, Stilo, Severe, Soulstice, Origen, Peppa, Lexx,, Bongo Rok, parents, and more. Music by Gabriel “KwikStep” Dionisio and Ty Chijoke. Supplemental material includes the book We B* Gurlz by author Nika Kramer (2005), photographer Martha Cooper, and an introduction from RoKafeLLA. The film and book are true inspirations for future generations.