Director: Goran Olsson
Narrated by: Lauryn Hill
Running Time: 85 minutes
Certificate: E
Colonisation is still very much present around the world, and even in places that seem to be liberated, there are everlasting shadows that have shaped culture and beliefs. Colonisation and decolonisation are also synonymous with violence, which is exactly what this documentary explores, or at least presents.
Rather than exploring rhyme or reason, CONCERNING VIOLENCE instead chooses to take the work of writer Frantz Fanon, and place his words over startling images and videos, with the help of Lauryn Hill as narrator. Fanon’s words are so powerful, that they are both read and presented on screen for us, making the message as inescapable as it should be.
Like a book, the film is broken down into 9 separate chapters, with each providing us with a look at archival materials from colonised and decolonised places around the world. Every single one of these important videos is a powerful statement of individual times and places, all of which can be heartachingly applied to similar scenarios in today’s world. Although each segment is memorable in its own right, stand outs include a sequence in which missionaries seem clueless as to what the bible actually says, a peaceful strike having armed soldiers show up, and a racist man of wealth talking about ratios of whites to blacks in South Africa compared with other African countries. These are little snippets in time, but Olsson compiles them well to form a moving piece.
CONCERNING VIOLENCE may be just a compilation of works and pieces that have come before it, but it’s done in a remarkable fashion. Like a well researched reference book that references many works before it. It isn’t demonstrably shocking, nor particularly hard hitting, but instead works as a quiet reminder and thought provoking collection that will certainly inspire discussion, even if it’s the quiet variety within oneself.
[usr=4] CONCERNING VIOLENCE is out on DVD now. Find more information over on Dogwoof.
