Guardians of the Flame 2023
Distributed by Good Docs
Produced by Bonnie Elder Yassky, Brooklyn Demme, and Nkem Big Chief Brian Nelson
Directed by Daniel Wolff and Johnathan Demme
Streaming, 70 mins
Middle School - General Adult
African American Culture; BIPOC; Cultural Art; Folklore; Jazz
Date Entered: 08/07/2024
Reviewed by Suzanne Mangrum, Acquisitions Librarian, Middle Tennessee State UniversityGuardians of the Flame is a kaleidoscope of art, history, family, and community. This documentary follows the struggle and triumph of a family of artists from New Orleans who are part of the Mardi Gras Indian Tribe Guardians of the Flame. It shows how a tradition that seems like a feast for the senses during Mardi Gras is, in fact, an intricate community bonded by music, art, and remembering the past. It reveals some of the complex history of the Mardi Gras Indians and how marginalized African American communities found a way to build community, pride, and purpose through this Carnival tradition. From Hurricane Katrina, coping with racial injustice, and the differing paths of family members’ careers in music, film, and beyond the Harrison family continues to share their love and world-class talent .
Some threads seem to meander, but the spectacle, life realities, and choices over time are all presented and woven together as part of what makes The Guardians of the Flame who they are. This documentary sheds light on many themes that interest academic communities and the public. It would appeal to academic libraries in the areas of Jazz, Cultural Art, Africana and the African Diaspora. It would be an excellent addition to academic and public libraries interested in the history of Mardi Gras and New Orleans. It is also a fascinating look at community programming and coping with social injustice from a multi-generational perspective.
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