Famed Poet Presents Inspirational Holiday (Kwanzaa) Movie
Photo by Dwight Carter
Dr. Maya Angelou, one of Glamour Magazine´s 2009 Women of the Year, is celebrating the holiday season with her new inspiring film "The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration."
This award-winning film, which is narrated by Dr. Angelou, features NFL legend Jim Brown, Hip Hop pioneer Chuck D, and original poetry from the former U.S. Poet Laureate.
As Angelou says in "The Black Candle," "We remember our glorious past, and celebrate the best of what it means to be who we are. It is a time when we gather in the spirit of family and community, to celebrate life, love, unity, and hope."
Acclaimed author and director M.K. Asante, Jr., illustrates the beauty of Kwanzaa through an exploration of its inspiring culture and traditions. As the first film on Kwanzaa, "The Black Candle" traces the holiday´s growth from its genesis through becoming a global holiday embraced by over 20 million celebrants.
The San Francisco Chronicle called this film by Asante and Angelou "Phenomenal...Amazing...," while BET (Black Entertainment Network) pronounced it, "extraordinary and inspirational."
With a sweeping score composed by Grammy Award-winning duo Nnenna Freelon and Derrick Hodge, "The Black Candle" is a soulful story about the struggle and triumph of family, community, and culture.
Filmed across the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, "The Black Candle" is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) are vitally important today.
Different versions are available for home, middle and high school, and college viewing. Check out theblackcandle.com website for further information.
