‘Breukelen’ by Ofa
April 22, 2010 - By Danica van de Velde - Category: VideoI have never been to Brooklyn, but in my mind it possesses an almost mythic status and encapsulates everything that is holistically artistic, effortlessly cool and divergent from the mainstream. In his short film/documentary “Breukelen”, “Afropean” filmmaker Ofa brings to life the Brooklyn of my imagination.
Taking the viewer on a journey through the borough that follows different visual and audio transitions, Ofa’s short film is a captivating exploration of the area that gestures towards contrasting moods and atmospheres. Portraying various sides of the Brooklyn community, the completed film is, at times, poetic, downtempo and tinged with nostalgia, as well as vibrant, dynamic and bursting with energy. Producing a work that is simultaneously private and social, Ofa’s camera is a quiet observer that does not intrude into the action, but allows the borough to speak for itself.
Comments
If you've got something to say, keep it positive.Really awesome video, makes me wanna live there, I don’t know why neoyorkers complain about living in Brooklyn, some of the talented people I follow online live/work there. BTY, now I comment with my name -no more ‘Chipotle’- cause I just learn about internet manners and leaving a comment with your name is a rule http://bit.ly/benXcX
First of all i wanted to thank you for taking the time to watch and write about it. Your words reonate into the deepest part of my body mind and soul. It was a very particular shoot for me.And growing in Gabon(Central Africa) and being a fan of HipHop i could only dream about how Brooklyn would be.Well when could see it for myself…BREUKLEN came to life.
If you have any question please ask…it would be a pleasure to answer to it.
CHeers
@ José Luis – It makes me want to live there too. If only. Ha – I didn’t know about the etiquette of commenting under your real name, but I found that link really interesting.
@ Ofa – You’re so very welcome. I’m really pleased that you appreciated what I wrote, as I feel like the experience that you have captured is so wonderful that it almost defies words. I’ll definitely be keeping up with what you do next :)