Beats of the Antonov, 2014.
Directed by Hajooj Kuka.
SYNOPSIS:
Sudanese farmers, herders and rebels of the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountain regions defiantly celebrate their heritage and tend their lands in the face of a government bombing campaign.
Amongst the civil war which has ravaged Sudan since 2011, the civilian population keep their spirits alive by celebrating life through song and dance. It is remarkable to witness such a commitment and sense of community that exists in the areas where poverty would be enough to cause one to give into despair.
Filmmaker Hajooj Kuka who makes his documentary debut by directing, shooting and editing Beats of the Antonov wisely lets the interview clips and images do the storytelling rather than relying on narration. The fighter planes flying overhead and dropping bombs emphasizes the ever present danger that exits for the rural inhabitants of Sudan.
What seems to be strangely missing is the presence of the Russian cargo plane featured in the title; the Antanov is essential for transporting the supplies required to enable the embattled communities to survive. The idea of focusing on music and dance is a great way to explore the various cultures located in the African country. Despite the short runtime the documentary tends to drag on as the images become rather repetitive.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★★★/ Movie: ★★★
Originally published September 14, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
