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An unusual production with dream-inducing beauty, Ralf Schmerberg's
Hommage à Noir is a striking effort to capture the essence of Africa's peoples through a highly original vision. Shot in ink-black and whipped-cream white tones, this rich and dynamic journal finds Schmerberg redefining our traditional visual context for African culture: the lively colors, the sweep of deserts, the whirl of community, the mix of traditions and modernism. In
Hommage à Noir, particulars give way to the revelation of something deeper and universal. Instead of seeing life in a village on a bright day, we can't help but fall into the deep pools of blackness contained in empty windows, shadows, and skin tones. Or yearn for the affirming brilliance of light washing the earth with youthful promise. Schmerberg, a German, takes us through the world of various tribes, an open-air market, street scenes, and desert scenes, always looking for volumes spoken through the eyes of people. Quite a trip, sans narration but with music by Ralf Hildenbeutel. The DVD includes a too-brief interview with Schmerberg, scene index, photo gallery, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, and Stereo PCM Audio.
--Tom Keogh
