Anni Lyngskaer–one of the students in a graduate class I teach at The New School on mediating Africa–went to see the new film “Venus Noire” (Black Venus) at the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center. The film attempts to tell the story of the short, horrible life of the “Hottentot Venus,” Sara Baartman. Outside […]
I just finished an essay (with my research assistant Adam Esrig) on new developments in African film–most notably the business model of Nollywood, the emergence of South Africa as a cheap back lot for B-grade Hollywood films and TV commercials, and developments around “Beur” Cinema) for a new book on African cinema. In the process […]
My friend, Gabeba Baderoon, is organizing a one-day colloquium on “The Meanings of Saartje (Sara) Baartman,” scheduled for March 1st at Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. The meeting will focus on Baartman (aka the “Hottentot Venus”) “… as Khoi woman, international icon, and the inspiration for visual artists and playwrights.” Speakers will include […]
