https://blacknerdproblems.com/looking-back-to-move-forward-a-review-of-meanwhile/

Do you remember the year 2020? Yes, I am asking you to return to one of the many recent ‘unprecedented times’ – but bear with me. Try to recall the sustained feeling of purgatory-type tension of never knowing if that ‘moment’ would be forever. One hopeful thing that stood out from that time was the uptick in collaborative works. Across every medium and genre, being forced to be separate forced us to find meaningful ways to work together. This sets the stage for Aubin Pictures’ Meanwhile, a multimedia docu-poem in six parts, “…about breathing through chaos.” An effort spread across time and space with renowned author Jacqueline Woodson holding the text, musician and luminary Meshell Ndegeocello designing the soundscape, producer and media executive Erika Dilday providing creative and fiscal support for the project, interdisciplinary media artist M. Trevino giving structure to the project, all under the direction of Catherine Gund.

Meanwhile is a genreless piece of visual and textual poetry that moves between a series of testimonials exploring American existentialism. The ‘in-between-ness’ of it all stirs a lot from anyone who was paying attention to current events during the 2020 to 2022 political landscape. Somehow, Meanwhile takes the heady and cerebral assessment of the country at large and turns it into a deeply emotional and heartfelt tapestry. I have never wanted to return to this time, the murders, the strife, discord, and disturbance. But this film snatches you back into a turbulent moment in recent history that requires returning to – so that the same injustices aren’t repeated. As sharply as you are pulled in, you are eased by the slow and deliberate pacing. The film feels like the creators are putting together a collage of artistic and academic intelligences, layer by layer. Parts of James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, laid with Miguel Algarin and Colin Kaepernick, overlaid with Natalie Diaz and Doc Rivers. An intentionally overwhelming set of testimonies and perspectives. Meanwhile makes a point early on and makes you walk the whole path to keep nailing that point.

Each of the earlier-mentioned artists and creatives weave something haunting and beautiful in their collaboration. Meanwhile makes it point(s) early on and takes you on the path to make that point as many times in as many ways as possible. It touches on so many sociopolitical aspects of American life that it hits and fades before you realize it hurt. But suppose you are experiencing a particular discomfort and know the difference between writing ‘a love letter to those of us inside the country and not the country itself’. In that case, this documentary-as-poem will hit hard.

Meanwhile is showing in select theatres in select cities. You can check the list here!

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The post Looking Back to Move Forward: A Review of ‘Meanwhile’ appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.