Movie spotlight
Black Goddess
A Deusa Negra is a love story that spans two centuries. In 18th century Yorubaland, Prince Oluyole is taken prisoner in the course of internecine warfare fanned by overseas slave traders. He is sold into slavery in Brazil. In present day Nigeria, at his father's deathbed, the young Babatunde promises to go to Brazil and search for traces of their once-enslaved ancestors. Beginning with a Candomblé ritual, his journey takes him ever deeper into this culture and, in a dream-like sequence, affords him a deeper understanding of his ancestors' suffering and powers of resistance. Balogun effortlessly links present with past, real with magical worlds and discourse with trance. The hypnotic atmosphere is also heightened by the music of the Nigerian drummer Remi Kabaka, which plays with repetitive patterns and distortions.
Insights
Plot Summary
Black Goddess is a documentary film exploring the complex socio-political and cultural landscape of Israel. Through interviews and observational footage, the film delves into the experiences and perspectives of various individuals within Israeli society, touching upon themes of identity, nationalism, and the impact of conflict.
Critical Reception
Black Goddess received critical attention for its unflinching look at Israeli society during a period of significant political tension. While not widely distributed, it has been recognized for its historical significance and its role in documenting the complexities of the Israeli experience.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its raw and honest portrayal of Israeli society.
Noted for its historical value in documenting a turbulent period.
Considered a challenging but important work by its director.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available for this documentary.
Fun Fact
Black Goddess was one of Amos Gitai's early significant works, helping to establish his reputation as a filmmaker interested in the political and social realities of Israel.
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