An update on a documentary you might recall we featured its fundraising efforts on this blog, towards the end of 2011…
3+ years later, the controversial documentary, directed by Kenyan-born Peres Owino, previously-titled "African vs African American: Silent Sibling Rivalry," and now called "Bound: Africans vs. African-Americans," is complete and traveling the film festival circuit, with a most recent stop at the New York African Diaspora Film Festival, where it won the Public Award for Best Film Directed by a Woman of Color, as announced by the festival a week ago.
Sure to inspire lots of discussion, and focusing on the complex struggle between Africans and African Americans, the film includes testimonials from all sides, breaking down the seldom-discussed ways that Africans and African Americans view each other, and looks at the cultures’ shared history to foster mutual understanding.
A year ago, Isaiah Washington – a passionate and vocal Pan-Africanist – joined the film’s producer team, as executive producer.
"We felt if there was ever a topic that needed to be addressed, this was it. It’s fascinating how people whose histories are almost similar, have such a difficult time relating to one another. Having Isaiah onboard is pivotal, because his own journey back to Africa reflects the hope of this film,” Owino said at the time.
Immediately below you’ll find the film’s first trailer; and underneath, watch director Owino passionately discuss the project with The Seattle Medium, prior to its premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival last year:
