Screenings

Hot Irons

Kounandi

Ralph Bunch:
An American Odyssey

Free to Dance

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Feedback:

“One message I got from it was the meaning of friendship.”
Kaisson Jones, student

“ I also think that it is amazing that you created a new village.”
Yelenah Aponte, student

“ I can see that many women don’t have a voice or many opportunities, because men are in power.”
Brittany Engram, student


“You seem very interested in filmmaking because this movie touches me deeply.”
A’Neyah Daniels, student

The East Harlem School
April 5, 2004

Dear Ms. Traoré,

Thank you for presenting your movie, “Kounandi” to the students of the East Harlem School. I thought your movie was profound because it contained many powerful messages. One message I got from it was the meaning of friendship.
   At the beginning of the movie, I thought it was about the village being patriarchal. In a patriarchy, women have very little rights and are treated differently from men. As the movie continued I realized that the movie’s central message was about being an outsider and dealing with the consequences of your position in life. What I learned from the movie is very similar to your opinion that people say mean things to other people, but don’t realize the impact cruel words had on that person. I will try to be more conscious of my interactions with people so that I do not end up hurting someone’s feelings.
   I would like to thank you again for letting the East Harlem School students watch your movie. I wish you good luck in all your films to come. I’m looking forward to watching your next film.

Sincerely,
Kaisson Jones,
8th Grade

The East Harlem School
April 5, 2004

Dear Ms. Traoré,

Thank you for presenting your film to The East Harlem School. I really enjoyed your film; it was very interesting. I loved the fact that you made this film and included your own ethnic group in the film. I also think that it is amazing that you created a new village. I really thought the scenery was wonderful.
   I also enjoyed the scene during the lightening storm when Awa and Koundandi had a powerful interaction. Koundandi took all of the pain and sorrow and essentially dying for Awa, so Karim would feel complete and happy with his family. Her action shows me that no matter how insecure or jealous people are, there might be another person who will offer their help to people in need. I really enjoyed your film. I hope to see you again soon.

Sincerely,
Yelenah Aponte

Dear African Film Festival,

Thank you so much for this wonderful learning opportunity. The African Film Festival enables me to be proud of who I am and realize the opportunities I have been given. Your films have also taught me about people who are less fortunate then I am. This exposure gives me inspiration to want to make a difference in other people’s lives.
   During the time that I’ve been at The East Harlem School, I have learned so many important lessons. From the films you have shared, I can see that many women don’t have a voice or many opportunities, because men are in power. These are reasons why I value lessons taught. Men have trapped women in a society that doesn’t value women. I have never experienced living in this kind of society. But the films gave me a clear understanding of how that lifestyle is. I am grateful for my life and the opportunities I have.
   I can start by getting the best education I can so I can teach my people what they are capable of. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.

Sincerely,
Brittany Engram,
8th grade