Field Niggas (Khalik Allah, 2015): USA

Reviewed by: Cameron Krul. Viewed at the AFI Fest 2015.

 “Field Niggas” is a documentary directed by photographer Khalik Allah. He interviews people on the corner of East 125th Street and Lexington Avenue, and shows the viewer what life is like for the homeless people, and low income families that populate this area of Harlem.

This film is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The best word to describe this film is raw. The way the film was shot by using a handheld camera in natural lighting emphasizes the raw emotions and political issues that are being discussed in this film. I was blown away with how the director was able to capture the struggle of people who live in low socio economic areas, and really show the viewer how destitute and rough some of America’s poverty stricken communities are. The simple combination of slow motion portraiture, and snippets of conversation the director has with people on the streets of Harlem creates a powerful film that gives a voice to the people who usually aren’t given one. I believe that this film will open the eyes of many people who view this documentary just as it has opened my own.

The movie is only 60 minutes long, but it is an important modern cultural artifact. It gives viewers the ability to dive into the inner conscience of homeless people, and see how they think about things, and what they’re struggles are. Most people who live in cities likely see at least one homeless person a day, but would never dream of having an encounter with them, this film gives the homeless people the rare opportunity to communicate with a large, and diverse audience.