“Where Are The African Gods” is a Cinematic Poem Short Film Directed By Rodney Passé.
Produced and Directed by: Rodney Passé
Filmed by: Andrew Trost and Shawn Peters
Co-Produced by: Danielle Redman
Edit and Sound Design: J.P. Damboragian
Words and Narration by: Abbey Lincoln
“Poetic License: Where are the African Gods?
Lyricist Abbey Lincoln’s words are brought to life in this meditative portrait of black masculinity.
A moving recording of the late writer and renowned jazz singer Abbey Lincoln is captured in this new film from Brooklyn-born director Rodney Passé, who has previously worked with powerhouse music video director Kahlil Joseph. Reading from her own works, Lincoln’s voice sets the tone for a film that explores the African American experience through fathers and their sons.”
“The film movingly captures moments from the perspective of African American men and their sons”
“Abbey Lincoln’s poem is a chilling reminder of black society’s struggle with self-image,” explains Passé. Speaking of the film’s experiment with spoken-word and music, the filmmaker continues: “The arrangement is heart-felt, capturing moments from the perspective of African American men and their sons, while celebrating the essence of black culture and honouring its significance in today’s society.”
Where are the African Gods?
Did they leave us on our
Journey over here?
Where are the African Gods?
Will we know them
When they suddenly appear?
The ones dismissed with voodoo,
Rock and roll, and all that jazz.
And jungle mumbo jumbo.
And razzmatazz.
Where are the African Gods
Who live within the skin,
Without the skin,
And in the skin again.
Where are the African Gods?
Do they hide among the shadows
While we stumble on the way?
Or did they go with heaven
To prepare another day?
Where are the African Gods
Who’ll save us from this misery and shame?
Where are the African Gods?
Where are the African Gods?
Where are the African Gods?
Where are the African Gods?
Will we find them while
We pray in Jesus’ name?
Where are the African Gods
Who live, and set us free?
We are the African Gods.
You and Me.
Website: https://vimeo.com/rodneypasse
