Black Mother (Khalik Allah, 2018): USA

Film Review by: Bethany Burns Viewed at AFI Film Festival 2018.

There are few things in this world more powerful than a passionate individual. If I were to describe the film Black Mother (Khalik Allah, 2018) in just a few words I would use call it full of passion. This film won Best Departure Feature at the Indie Memphis Film Fest, the Bruce Sinofsky Prize at the Montclair Film Fest, and Prix de L’experimentation at the Montreal Festival of New Cinema. This stunning documentary takes you on a deep and intimate journey through Jamaica as seen by both the film maker and the countries magnetic and diverse population. Allah explores every element from the basic structure of life, to the spiritual realm and the connection so many people have to the land. Jamaica comes to life as an entity all its own in this film and many of the ideas found in mainstream television and cinema wash away like rainwater to the ocean.

This entire film was shot over the course of approximately 4 years, not including the B Roll footage Allah used of his family from childhood. The narrative structure is entirely voice over narration most of which was recorded in the streets through random encounters Allah has with the people he meets as he is shooting the film, and deep intimate conversations he has with his own family.  There are only two moments of the entire films that the soundscape matches the content on the screen. The words behind the images are equally as poetic as the cinematography.  The overlay of the active street scene throughout connects to viewer more deeply to the exciting array of people being exposed. Extreme close ups shot almost as though the intention was to take a still photograph add an ethereal element of depth and spirituality to the narrative content. The juxtaposition of the lush jungle against a very gritty and dirty city vibe reveal the struggle of the people is equally as important as their relationship with their environment.

This film explores all elements of life; religion, food, water, women, prositiution, sex, spirituality, racism, historical accounts vs. fact, fear, children, life, death, family, and connection to the earth and all of its inhabitants. The narrative is broken down into a 3 act structure directly correlated to the 3 trimesters a woman experiences during childbirth. With each trimester the depth of the metaphysical realm of existence become more prominent within the voice over.  The flow of water and inclusion of it as a form of life bring the cycle of birth and rebirth full circle by the end of the film as we see a baby being born in a small room.

This film is completely experimental and an unconventional style of documentary. It is clear from the beginning how deeply personal it is to Allah and how much beautiful effort he put into making every individual who graced his camera lens comfortable and at ease. Chock full of divine symbolism and a commitment to portraying a heritage appropriately Black Mother dives face first into some of the toughest but most important issues many cultures face but do not necessarily outwardly address with the world. If what you are looking for is a completely unique take on a beautiful and divine place, this film will take you on a journey of exploration that may even teach you a bit about yourself.