The Last Angel of History Inspiring Afrofuturism

    

Week 5

    “The Last Angel of History” is an inspiring documentary created by the filmmaker John Akonfrah. This film involves personal accounts and opinions of groundbreaking Afrofuturist musicians, literary figures, and thinkers, and uses samples of early Afrofuturist expressions of art throughout the film as well as other clips. People included and interviewed in the documentary are important and iconic Afrofuturist figures such as Sun Ra, George Clinton, Octavia Butler, and Greg Tate. One of the key ways in which “The Last Angel of History” inspires contemporary Afrofuturism is through its use of archival materials. Akomfrah draws on a wide range of sources, including vintage science fiction films, newsreels, and interview footage in order to create a sense of memory, history, and imagination through a video/visual collage. Many other AFrofuturists utilize these techniques as well as concepts within their work including delving into the concept of history and future as well as using cultural references in order to reframe new concepts. This reminds me of DJ Spooky’s musical and visual performance remix piece, Rebirth of a Nation.  

    My initial thoughts on the film are that it is a facsinating exploration of Afrofuturism and its’s important figures, discussing the necessity of the genre as well as its cultural and historical roots. This is beneficial to contemporary afrofuturism as a basis and foundation of the conceptual framework are solidly and passionately delivered through experienced artists themselves. The film provides a diverse collection of afrofuturists that expand the possibilities of the genre for viewers including multiple perspectives.