Amanda Egbe

Comments

These films changed how I understand cinema, whose lives should be on the screen, and what emotions, struggles, rage, and activism can be shown. They have inspired what type of film I make. They are films that show the subtlety and nuances of struggle, personal and political, that combine the complexity of storytelling with amazing visual dexterity. The Battle of Algiers is incredible in how it shows what it means to be transformed by political struggle. Killer of Sheep is simply beautiful. I saw Bamako and understood, again, that you can tackle the biggest issues, touch the soul and be visually inspiring. I love John Sayles's work; I couldn't think which film influenced me the most, but I spoke about Matewan endlessly for a period of my life and so it had to be on the list. When I think of Angel at My Table or Daughters of the Dust, I can close my eyes and I am filled with both Campion's and Dash's mastery of light. These are films that speak to being black, gay, women, changing the world, and are thoroughly inspiring visually and politically.