Final- Trinidad & Tobago

Background : 

 Trinidad and Tobago lies in the Caribbean Sea off the northeast coast of Venezuela. Christopher Columbus gave Trinidad & Tobago its name in 1498. Carib Indians inhabited Tobago. Trinidad remained in Spanish possession, despite raids by other European nations, until it was ceded to Britain in 1802. Tobago passed between Britain and France several times, but it was ultimately given to Britain in 1814. Slavery was abolished in 1834. Between 1845 and 1917, thousands of indentured workers were brought from India to work on sugarcane plantations. In 1889 Trinidad and Tobago was made a single colony.The people of Tobago are called Tobagonians and those from Trinidad are called Trinidadians or Trinis. Together the people of Trinidad and Tobago are referred to as “Trinbagonians.”  Trinidad Carnival occurs every year on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (Catholic calendar).  The partying and other festivities begin months before and the costume making at the local mas camps begin even earlier. Trinidad and Tobago Carnival has been consistently ranked as one of the top ten Carnival celebrations in the world.

Population:  1,349,667 (2015 est.)

Ethnic groups:  

•      35.43% Indian
•      34.22% African
•      15.16% Multiracial (non-Dougla)
•      0.59% European
•      0.30% Chinese
•      0.11% Amerindian
•      0.08% Arab
•      0.06% Portuguese
•      6.22% Undeclared
•      0.17% Other

  

Religions:

• 
  
•   55.3% Christian

•  18.2% Hindu

•   5.0% Muslim

•   1.2% Bahá'í

•   0.9% Yoruba (Orisha)

•   0.3% Rastafarian

•   5.8% Other

•   11.1% Not stated

•   2.2% None

    

Government Type: 
Democracy

Capital:

Port of Spain

GDP Per Capita: 

$31,333 (2017 estimate)

Currency:

Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)

Unemployment Rate:

3.80 percent 

Economic Growth:

Trinidad and Tobago has the features of a ‘dual economy’ and this ‘duality’ feature raises questions regarding the sustainability of the current growth rate and the possible present and future binding constraints to growth. While fiscal policy is moving in the right direction, and many of the constraints to growth have already been eliminated, the underdevelopment of the non-energy tradable sector could seriously hamper Trinidad and Tobago’s future economic growth. The Open Forest analysis suggests that the export product space is not very well diversified and the prospects for diversification appear grim. The micro data reveals that the main concerns of the business owners include macro risk, low profitability, lack of complementary inputs such as poor infrastructure, and rising crime.

Industries: 

Largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world. World’s leading exporters of natural gas.

k     Key Social Forces & Events impacted the country: 

      

d     Arena Massacre and Invasion of Tobago.

  

       National Disasters & Diseases:

      1993 Trinidad hurricane:

      The strong winds downed trees and destroyed hundreds of houses, leaving about 1,000 people homeless. Later, the hurricane crossed the northeastern portion of Venezuela, where power outages and damaged houses were reported.

    History of Cinema:

           Trinidad and Tobago cinema evidently one of the most progressive of all emerging postcolonial cinema is still largely unnoticed as a national cinema with particular characteristics. Many may think of it as a challenge or even  an attempt to describe and identify a important body of feature films that are associated with this T & T. 

             The reasons for this angle are many and include the political positioning of the postcolonial world as receivers rather than producers of cinema in much academic and prominent discourse, as well as the fact that many of the nation’s films are produced by filmmakers in the Trinbagonian diaspora. A shortage of distribution channels and film archives also contribute to the invisibility of Trinidadian film products.

            

       Important Genres and Conventions In films from this country

       In terms of cinematic style, filmmakers in Trinidad and Tobago take a variety of approaches. 

       However, a clear gravitation towards the natural is evident. I refer to “the natural” as opposed to “naturalistic” because the aesthetic treatment of these films can be subtle and “realistic,” in keeping with the look and feel of Italian neorealism for example, or highly stylized, with a brightness and colour palette that seems dream-like or other-worldly. Still, the natural or real world flora, fauna, on location shooting is always a key element.

      Notable Films:

      

    Summary:

     

         Contract Killers is a 2008 action film about a female assassin on the run from the law. The film was directed by Justin B. Rhodes, and stars Frida Farrell, Nick Mancuso, and Rhett Giles with an appearance by Paul Cram. A CIA assassin attempts to break out of the contract killing business to try to lead a normal life. But when "the system" tracks her down and frames her for the death of her husband, she embarks on a path of revenge that leads her back into the life she tried to hard to abandon.

     

    

     

a    Summary:

       

       Limbo is a Norwegian drama film, written and directed by Maria Sodahl.The movie takes place in the 1970s and depicts a so-called expatriate-group at Trinidad, associated with the oil industry.Sonia moves with her kids to Trinidad where her husband Jo is working in the oil business. The milieu change and the discovery of an the affair her husband has been having makes her lose grip and go into a limbo. 

     Summary:

     

         The Mystic Masseur is a 2001 Merchant Ivory film based on the novel of the same name by V. S. Naipaul. It is one of relatively few films directed by Ismail Merchant, who is better known as the producer in the Merchant Ivory partnership, and addresses issues of Hindu subculture on the island of Trinidad.

  Notable Film Directors:

  

        

Frances-Anne Solomon is a Trinidadian filmmaker, writer, producer, distributor and entrepreneur.

Wayne Gerard Lionel Trotman (born 16 May 1964, San Fernando, Trinidad), is a British independent filmmaker, writer, photographer, composer and producer of electronic music.

        

    

    

    Sullivan Walker was a Trinidadian actor who played numerous small and recurring roles on television shows from 1980 until 2005. Walker migrated to New York from Trinidad in 1969 and became an actor, writer, director and teacher.

Notable Actors:



Geoffrey Lamont Holder was a Trinidadian-American actor, voice actor, choreographer, singer, director and painter.

References :

Movies, TV and Celebrities." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 08 May 2017.


Cinema of Trinidad and Tobago." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 May 2017. Web. 08 May 2017.


History of Cinema in Trinidad http://www.filmbirth. com/trinidad.htm

Trinidad and Tobago Film Company official website http://www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com/

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 
1) ( X ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( X ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.


3) ( X ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( X ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( X ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( X ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( X ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( X ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: Jibri Jack________________________ Date: 05/09/17                                    

Screening Report 9 : Denmark: After the Wedding

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class we discussed how this film was unique from all the other films because it took place in two different countries, Denmark and India. We talked about the similarities and differences between the wedding banquet. Also we discussed the message the props delivered to the audience subliminally. Each dead animal represents Jorgen's death is in the near future. The class explained how each scene was unpredictable and keeps you guessing what's about to happen.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content.  (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/30/movies/30wedd.html

The article I chose was published from the NY times. The writer Manohla Dargis did a review of the film. He explained the different camera work the director Susanne Bier chose to express. Dargis also mentions a how the film can be under the dogma lite genre because of the realism Bier creates.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class. 

This article  did change my perspective on the film. As you watch the film, you don't really notice the weird camera shots and how poorly they were shot.  It almost seemed like the director was trying to make it too real that ultimately made it seem like a documentary. He also thought the acting was mediocre. 

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion,  formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.

This film will have you confused at times as you try to predict each character's connection to one and other.  Overall this was a decent film.  As the film progresses, so does the suspense for the family. The climax of the film was the wedding in my opinion. After Jorgen tells Jacob he is Helene's real father, the story starts to unfold. 

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 
1) (  ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) (  ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) (  ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) (  ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) (  ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) (  ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) (  ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) (  ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: ___________Jibri Jack______________________  Date: ____________________________

Screening Report 8: Iran: Persepolis

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class we discussed how Persepolis  was first a graphic novel that later turned into a movie. We discussed the country Iran in depth, culture, traditions,  war, and how religion deeply affects everyone l. Also why practices like drinking alcohol and showing your hair if you are a female isn't aloud. Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi directed this film 

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content.  (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/25/movies/25pers.html

The NY times published a review on the the film. This article mainly talked about how the black and white effect adding great emotion to the flashback scenes. It was a subliminal message for portraying the "black and white'' world we live in.The writer also mention how the grandma's role was a pivotal character who represented the feminist. The style in which Marjane satrapi made a  comic book feeling movie come to real life was amazing. 

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.

This article  made me change my perspective on the film. At first, I didn't think a 2D film could still be as entertaining as  a 3D film since  its has become uncommon  in film culture today, I appreciate the story as well.  Even though it was a cartoon, I could see how the writer says it came to life. 

 4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion,  formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.

Persepolis made me feel like I would be interested in reading the book. This film displays not only a little girl growing but a the whole nation evolving. You grow sympathy for marjane as she grows up in a hectic environment, and begin to wonder if it will ever get better. If you think a 2D movie won't have you involved, you must see Persepolis!

Plagiarism Checklist

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 
1) (  ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) (  ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) (  ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) (  ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) (  ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) (  ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) (  ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) (  ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: _____Jibri Jack_________________________

  Date: ____________________________

Screening Report 7:India: Bombay

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class, we discussed the origin of indian cinema, bollywood,. Bollywood uses cliche hollywood techniques such as romance, singing, dancing, and drama. Bollywood is considered the biggest film industry in the world because of its unique style. They produce almost 1000 shows per year. Lip singing plays a huge role in bollywood films.Bollywood films intercorporate indian traditions in the film.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/Bombay-Interesting-facts-about-the-film/Bombay-Interesting-facts-about-the-film/photostory/47802408.cms

In this article, the writer gives a review about the film in depth. The writer stated some interesting facts about the film. A fact from the film was " It was screened at many prestigious international film festivals, including the Philadelphia Film Festival in 1996, where it was largely favoured by the audience. According to a report on En.wikipedia.org, the film created a controversy when it was released due to its depiction of inter religious relations. The film was banned in Malaysia and Singapore." Another fact was "The film won the Spirit of Freedom Award at the Jerusalem International Film Festival and the Gala Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. It also won the Special Award at the Political Film Society Awards."

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.   How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?

 This article made me realize how big of international success it was. A lot of people loved this film worldwide and felt aware what was going on in india at the time. This film was so truthful, that some countries banned it such as Malaysia and Singapore. They might of the thought the film was blasphemous to a religion they practiced.

 4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion,  formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.

Overall this film made me understand the riots of 1993 that were happening in bombay. I did not understand why a singing scene would happen out of nowhere. The lip singing was horrible but it made me laugh. he dancing scenes were amazing, I could appreciate the colorful scenes that came with it.  Although this film focused on one family, it was sad that nobody knew what even started the senseless killings in the first place. Overall a  deep, intriguing film that will inform you about what Bollywood is all about.

Plagiarism Checklist

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 
1) (  ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) (  ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) (  ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) (  ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) (  ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) (  ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) (  ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) (  ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: ___Jibri Jack_______________________________  Date: ____________________________

Screening Report 6: South Africa: Tsotsi

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class we discussed the environment of the plot. We discussed the rural conditions of a third world country that has to deal with Aids and poverty. Also the stages of the young man Tsosti changing from a "thug" to a "hero" of some sort. We went into depth about the scenarios that led up to  his epiphany like finding the baby in the car he stole. The music in the film played a pivotal part in engaging the audience emotions.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content.  (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/24/movies/from-south-africa-a-tough-thug-shows-his-big-heart.html

The article I chose was published by the NY times, analyzes the trials and tribulations Tsotsi endures throughout the film. According to the critic,Tsotsi represents an oxymoron that is a combination of behavior such as ruthless, loving, cynical, compassionate thief, who just wants redemption for his pass. The critic explains how it would be difficult for an american mind to understand the living conditions Tsotsi has to face such as lack basic needs.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.

This article made me realize how even though he tries his best to change his ways, a domino effect from his pass continues to follow him. Even though we may view him as the villain, he tries to change his ways when he returns the baby at the end. I feel like that was the biggest plot twist.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion,  formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.

This film inspires people who have been the underdog their whole life, but still manage to find their way. Tsotsi is a story of redemption, inspiration, violence, trial, and tribulations all in one, Tsotsi doesn't want to be a thug or a criminal but has to survive in a the poverty stricken infrastructure. Tsotsi is easy to relate to because even though he is lost in the film, when he realizes the life he his living is wrong, he tries to make it better. Overall this movie was great. Action, violence, plot twist, and great screen writing is the reason this film was academy nominated.

Plagiarism Checklist

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 
1) (  ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) (  ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) (  ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) (  ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) (  ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) (  ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) (  ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) (  ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: ______Jibri Jack____________________             Date: ____________________________

Screening report 5: Taiwan: The Wedding Banquet

 

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class we mainly discussed the difference between the taiwan, american, and chinese filming styles of cinema. We also discussed how the plan got very complicated for the couples.  The techniques of getting a message delivered to the audience, directly or indirectly, is efficient or not. 

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content.  (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) 

http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F0CEFDB1431F937A3575BC0A965958260

This article is a review from the NY times. The author goes in depth the characters roles in the film, and how each character role was pivotal in getting the message across to the viewer.  The director had a large list of problems he could focus on but he mainly focused on the affair Wai-Tung and simon had going on. Wai-Tung starts to become americanized but then falls back to family traditions when he gets a visit from his parents.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.  

This article helped me realize the true meaning of this film. The fusing of different cultures can lead to self infliction. Wai-Tung is has to figure out his positions on topics such as gender, race, and ideals. Irony drove this film completely. 

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion,  formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article

Overall this film is a great depiction of man caught between doing what's right for self himself, or doing right by his family. This film was very slow at first, but grabs your attention with all the twist.  Even though Wai-Tung might be homosexual or bisexual, he still married Wei-Wei to satisfy his parents. You can expect all different emotions from laughter, sorrow, to confusion at times, but each character triggers something. I would compare this film to meet the fockers.

Plagiarism Checklist

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 
1) (  ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) (  ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) (  ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) (  ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) (  ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) (  ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) (  ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) (  ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: _Jibri Jack____________________________  Date: ____________________________