Rowan Sullivan, Author at FilmRoot

251

White Shadow – Life as an Albino in Africa

White Shadow Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

Maybe you’ve heard about persecution against people with albinism in Tanzania and other parts of Africa. Witch doctors believe their body parts will grant their customers prosperity so they’ve butchered some people with albinism for their magical powers. It’s pretty horrific. White Shadow follows one teenager with albinism as he tries to escape persecution and live a normal life.

From: Tanzania, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon, Kanopy
Next: War Witch, Beasts of No Nation, I Am Not a Witch

252

The Death of Mister Lazarescu – A Dying Man in Real-Time

The Death of Mister Lazarescu Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Meet Mister Lazarescu. He’s an old man living in an Communist-era apartment block in Bucharest with some cats. Problem is, he’s an alcoholic, and his last few drinks are sending him over the edge of life. Join him in his last few hours as he navigates the bureaucratic Romanian health system. It’s his last nightmare and one to put you off drinking for life.

From: Romania, Europe
Watch: Trailer, Watch on YouTube, Buy on Amazon, Watch on Vudu
Next: I, Daniel Blake, Beauty and the Dogs, Cosy Dens

253

The Battle of Algiers – Be a Part of the War Against Colonialism

Ali La Pointe and friends in Battle of Algiers

Battle of Algiers Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Battle of Algiers is brilliant. If you want to feel like you’re part of the revolution against colonialism, this is the closest you can get. Shot on location in Algiers and using non-actors, it’s one of the first and best examples of cinéma vérité – a film that feels like a real documentary. So dive in and experience both sides of this war – the French colonizers and the Algerian freedom fighters. You’ll come out a more enlightened revolutionary.

From: Algeria, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon, Kanopy
Next: Che, Z, Elite Squad

254

Burning – A Brooding, Mysterious Trail of Insecurity

Burning Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

Have you ever read a book by Haruki Murakami? If you have, and you enjoyed it – great, you’ll get to see his writing live. If you haven’t, no problem, you can start after this film. It’s the perfect mystery film.

From: South Korea, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Netflix, Amazon Rent, Amazon Buy
Next: Gone Girl, Tape, Vertigo

255

Lamb – See a Patriarchy Struggling to Get By

Lamb Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Beautiful scenery, beautifully shot, Lamb could be a travel commercial for the Ethiopian tourist board. But the beautiful landscape can’t be fully enjoyed by Ephraim and his family as they’ve run out of food. The worst of each of them shows itself on film as they struggle to get by – will Ephraim’s beloved lamb survive?

From: Ethiopia, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Amazon Prime, Kanopy, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Pather Panchali, Rams, Abouna