Description

What constitutes cultural appropriation? Is it when Jewish writers decide to pen a novel and later opera, Porgy and Bess, based on African Americans in the South, complete with black dialect? What if they consulted African American sources and influences? How about when singers “correct” the grammar of the opera’s songs without exposure or connection to the experiences of those on whom it is based? What if those singers are in Japan and have little exposure to the English language at all?

“I just wanted to sing a jazz song,” the music student in IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO says, innocently enough. The power and privilege from which this simple statement is made remain unpacked, leaving the audience to do much of the work, which ends up being the fun of this mockumentary gem. The student’s English tutor and vocal instructor try to help her navigate the context and dialect of the opera, but neither of them are connected to the world in which it is set and aren’t sure themselves what is appropriate.

Masters at capturing hyper-awkward moments, director-actor Masa Fox and co-writer Charlie Fox brilliantly explore how representations of culture and identity ain’t necessarily how they appear. –Wilda Wong

Preceded By

1. 

   BORN WITH IT

   Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr / Japan / 2014 / 17 mins

   After moving to a rural town, a half-Japanese, half-black student is ostracized by his classmates because of his skin color.

   Precedes: IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO

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