‘NEGRO’ DOCU-SERIES EXPLORES BLACK LATINO IDENTITY


Filmmaker Dash Harris is the brainchild behind the ‘Negro’ docu-series which examines, through a series of interviews, what it means to be black and Latino within the Americas. Dash Harris is blurring the color lines and shedding a much needed light on the experiences of peoples of African descent around the world. Her docu-series Negro explores the interplay between race, color, and self-identification among Latinos in the Americas. By delving into the history of Afro-Latinos and giving them a platform to share their stories, Harris questions the structures that are in place to label people and attempts to shatter them.

Black and Afro-Latinxs have been doing their own organizing for generations, but in this current iteration, have shown extreme solidarity with U.S. Black people because it is our struggle as well – Dash Harris

Negro exposes the racism present in Latin American, challenges the lack of information that many people posses about blackness, as it pertains to countries outside of the United States, and directly challenges the idea that “beauty” and “white” are interchangeable concepts. Ultimately, by interviewing people of African descent in many different countries, including Panama and the Dominican Republic, Harris is able to get a large view of the identity crisis that Afro-Latinos deal with.

Our society has made it easy to categorize people broadly without understanding the history and roots of different ancestries. It’s become common to assume that how “black” you are is directly related to the amount of melanin in your skin. Instead of educating ourselves about our history and how complex and beautiful it is, we group people together and assume that we all have the same backgrounds. Conversely, while our differences have separated us and created a color complex between us, our similarities have commonly been forgotten. Most, if not all, of us are of African descent, whether we know it or not. As it was beautifully stated in Negro, if we get to a place where we see ourselves in each other, some of the hate will be dismissed.



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Aretha Franklin second line tribute – Treme, New Orleans


We had a short visit to New Orleans this year, but we were able to grab a few videos here and there of the city including this tribute for Aretha Franklin in Treme. The people were singing loud with so much passion and love for Aretha. The entire day was filled with emotions and the city showed as much love as they could. People were dancing and laughing, I never saw anything so beautiful. I know New Orleans is where I need to be. I never felt this way about any other place.


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Canon G7X mark II
Screen Shot 2018-08-26 at 2.48.52 AMI had to grab my handy G7X for this video. I needed something quick and easy to grab for photos on the go. I didn’t have time to carry around a bunch of lenses and for night time photography this camera is easy to put away and it fits in my jean pocket. I’ve had this camera for about 3 months and I think it’s just as good as any DSLR on the market with 24 mega pixels and 1080P video.

Check out the photos below, Enjoy


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Scott Storch mini Documentary


There are few music careers like that of Scott Storch. The esteemed producer-songwriter made his initial mark in Philly as a key member of the Roots. A great start, but just the beginning of a wild ride to the top. Storch’s way with crafting hooks and shaping melodies, as well as his knack of being in the right place at the right time, brought him to Cali, where the inspired keyboardist began shaping the sound of pop, hip-hop and R&B, working with an array of artists that stretch from Dr. Dre and Beyoncé to 50 Cent Christina Aguilera. The hits rolled in, the money stacked up, and creativity exploded. A big chunk of the 2000’s best music has Storch’s name on it. Then, through a string of drug troubles and monetary woes, he dropped out of sight for decade. It was the music’s loss. Now he’s back in action, and our intimate profile ‘Still Storch’ paints a portrait of a man who’s seen it all and is still cranking out great tracks. These days his studio hosts artists such as French Montana, Chris Brown, A$AP Ferg as well as talented newcomers like Kyle and Thutmose. A victory come-back. For hip-hop fans, ‘Still Storch’ is a must-see mini-doc, an extended look at talent, addiction, and an unyielding passion for artistry.

A Rollo Jackson Film in Association with Somesuch
Director of Photography: Bobby Shore
Editor: Adam Biskupski
Producer: Tarquin Glass
Director: Rollo Jackson

Executive Producers: Joseph Patel, Justin Prager, Steve Lobel, Sarah Pearson, Sally Campbell, Tim Nash, Nathan Scherrer, Tom Connaughton, JP Evangelista

UNSOUND – Based on a True Story (full Film)


UnsoundThis film is about a young man who has a mother that suffers from Schizophrenia. This film is not a documentary, but it does show acted out events from the directors real life dealing with his mother’s illness. The director is a film student and a tutorial video expert on youtube. I sometimes watch and learn from his videos. Judging from his bright and happy personality you would never guess he was dealing with so much at home. He takes care of his mother and supports them both while going to film school. It is an honor for me to review this film, his story is so inspiring.

The intro to the movie speaks volumes. His mother is yelling out weird noises all alone underneath a dark bridge or sewer entrance (who knows what it is?). I felt the loneliness from that scene. Throughout the film he struggles with cleaning up the mess his mom makes everywhere she goes. whether it’s destroying the house or attacking people around her. He is responsible for her, and you can see how little help he gets from the rest of us. Most people want to push her away. Some say put her in a home. he struggles with trying to live his life and find time to follow his mother’s every move.

“Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder. The symptoms can be very disabling. 1 in 100 are affected. schizophrenia and other dissociative disorders do not get the Representation they deserve in film and television. This is a true story of severe mental illness and its effect on a family. If you or a family member lives with schizophrenia, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!”

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BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE AND STORY BEHIND THE FILM “UNSOUND”

New Orleans – ZULU PARADE 2018 – Mardi Gras


img_1303UH OH, it’s Fat Tuesday and we are here down in New Orleans for the ZULU parade. The crowd is going fucking crazy for coconuts and beads. The bands are playing loud and the kids are out here excited to catch anything that comes off of each float that passes by. I noticed that everybody made sure all of the kids received something, no matter how big or small, They all got a gift. The culture down here is so rich and beautiful. I can see myself moving here one day. The only thing that scares me are the floods and from what I saw in Spike Lee’s documentary on hurricane Katrina…I’ll keep my ass up north where its dry. Anyway, I took some photos to share with you all. I took my handy Canon 80D with me and I put that work in. ENJOY!!!


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CAMERA: Canon 80D   LENS: Canon 50mm f1.8, Canon 10-22mm

 

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Video

New Orleans – Super Sunday – Mardi Gras Indians – Part Two



In this episode we followed the 9th Ward Navajo indians of New Orleans. Lets see if The BIG CHIEF has what it takes. By the looks of it, he’s going to be alright. I filmed scenes from all over New Orleans, this is what you will see when you come here. The city is beautiful. The people are awesome, from rich to poor they all have something to share. Whenever I travel to New Orleans I feel at home, almost like a 2nd home for me. Enjoy the video!!!

Produced by: Ron Alpha
Email: Ronalphafilms@gmail.com

#mardigrasindians #supersunday #downtownsupersunday #nwalins #NOLA #stjosephsnight #saintjosephsnight #pretty #travel #secondline #neworleans #louisiana #nolanights #historyinneworleans #travel #instagood #instalike #onlyinnola #frenchquarter #nolahappyhour #photooftheday #nolalife #showmeyournola #guestwho #happythoughts #indians #saints
#uptown #bigchief #tribes #mardigrastribes
#nolatradition #feathers #beads #antebellum
#Indiantribes #citypeople

Gear Used for this video: 

Camera: Canon 80D – Lenses: 10-22mm & 50mm 1.8

 

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Philadelphia, P.A. – Photos of Eastern State Penitentiary – America’s Most Historic and Haunted Prison


img_1303-2Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone. I took a bunch of photos with my Canon 80D and Sony a6000. I took 5 lenses with me, thats all that could fit in my small camera bag. This was place spooky and cold. I got some good shots, but I would’ve loved to take video. They didn’t want anybody taking videos at all, that was a bummer. We spent about 3 hours there. There is an audio self guided tour you can take for $14. The story of the prison even crazier than the photos. If you want something to do any day during the week come check out Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. They are open from 10am – 5pm everyday. I really enjoyed my time here.


TODAY’S BEAT PRODUCED BY KAYTRANADA

If you would like to visit Eastern State Penitentiary go to https://www.easternstate.org

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CAMERAS: Canon 80D and Sony a6000

 

LENSES: Canon 50mm, 10-22mm, 70-300mm & 24mm

 

Adapter: Commlite EF to E mount converter

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“HOLE IN THE HEAD” – A documentary about the Human experiments of 1927


Hole in the Head: A Life Revealed tells the extraordinary life story of Vertus Hardiman. It is a highly moving and vivid motion picture about the triumph of the human spirit. Additionally, the documentary exemplifies how the lives of two individuals were changed forever through an incredible friendship. After singing next to each other in a church choir for over twenty years, Vertus finally reveals to Wilbert a tragic and horrific secret he was forced to conceal under a wig for seventy years. This sparked a journey of the heart, which occurred while unmasking Vertus’ lifelong suffering. Human experimentation was a known reality throughout the early to mid-twentieth century in the United States. Often, people were used as human guinea pigs during these practices without their knowledge or consent.

This film portrays the hidden but factual story of Vertus Hardiman, who at the age of five became the victim of such a medical experiment. The event left Vertus with a severe physical deformity, but did little to damage his virtuous character. In fact, Vertus endured his condition without anger or bitterness towards the perpetrators of the experiment. Encouraged by his friend’s determination to share his story, Vertus set out with Wilbert to retrace what happened in 1927. You have the opportunity to follow their journey and witness an enthralling story of love and forgiveness. Allstate Insurance pitchman Dennis Haysbert narrates the feature length documentary. The film is directed by Brett Leonard, a renowned Hollywood director who is among the most talented of his time


“To use human beings as guinea pigs for testing, particularly based on the color of their skin, is utterly abhorrent to God and good-willed men and women everywhere. Vertus Welborn bore the effects of this tragedy for nearly his entire life, yet his faith and love shone through his eyes. He was living proof of the inherent goodness of men and women. In his death his story lives on and inspires us all.” – Desmond Tutu

“What a brilliant story of friendship and compassion. It’s brave and extraordinary and touched me deeply. For this reason, I have become a spokesperson for this amazing experience. I will never forget the lessons presented by the film and book.”Blair Underwood Actor, Director, and Producer 

“This story is shocking, unbelievable, and true. The book and film are masterpieces that should be viewed by all due to their tremendous educational value.” –Leroy Baca Sheriff, Los Angeles County (Ret.) 

“I am very proud of this story and my role as narrator. It is my hope that the lessons of Vertus Hardiman will resonate in the hearts and minds of our viewers. Enter this phenomenal documentary and be amazed.” – Dennis Haysbert Film Narrator 


Click Here to get a copy of the film  – http://www.upliftproductionsinc.com

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Video

Atlantic City, NJ : Canon 80D, DJI OSMO, 10-22mm Lens


RON ALPHA – filmmaker
Published on Sep 30, 2017


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Here are some clips from Atlantic City, NJ. I drove around the city and enjoyed the people and spent some time on the beach/boardwalk. I used to Canon 80D and the DJI OSMO to record these scenes in Atlantic City. Its not easy walking around with a big ass camera, so I’m looking into purchasing something small and easy to hide when I’m on the go. What do you film with and what are some tricks and tips you think I need to add to my videos. Any editing software worth getting?

Gear used for this video

Camera: Canon 80D, DJI OSMO LENS: Canon 10-22mm

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This 10 Easy Steps Will Make Your Video More CINEMATIC


img_1303-2I hope you enjoy these small videos I share on this site. Each one of them helped me fine tune my camera skills so that I can compete with the professionals out there who make the big bucks lol. These quick tutorials will expand your knowledge of camera angles, grid lines, auto focus points and things most people never think about in filmmaking online. It’s not so simple, you have to learn all of these small things to create your own style and master everybody else’s. Every photographer or filmmaker has their own blueprint on how they film, but the basic steps in this video are used by almost everyone. save this video and take notes!!!

 


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MASTER camera settings FAST for BETTER VIDEO!


img_1303-2I watch this guy’s videos all of the time for film tips. This video is especially good for people who are looking for that cinematic film look on Canon Cameras. I use these setting as well. Check it out and subscribe to his channel.

his youtube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYaIdC5pbkpECxXLjf0Lzaw
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Peter McKinnon – HOW TO FILM YOURSELF