An interview with M.K. Asante, Jr., director of The Black Candle
By Coretta M. Jackson, MBA of iKwanzaa.com
M.K. Asante, Jr. is an award-winning author and filmmaker who the Philadelphia Inquirer calls “a rare, remarkable talent that brings to mind the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance.” Asante wrote and produced the internationally-acclaimed film 500 Years Later. His books include Like Water Running Off My Back, Beautiful. And Ugly Too, and It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop. His latest film is The Black Candle, a documentary celebrating Kwanzaa -narrated by Maya Angelou.
Coretta: What prompted you to make The Black Candle, the first movie about Kwanzaa?
MK: I believe that if you make an observation, you have an obligation. I observed that there was no film about this wonderful celebration of my people, so I felt obligated to make it a reality. Kwanzaa is a vehicle to celebrate ourselves and to observe life-improving principles; unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Likewise, this film uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African American experience.
Coretta: What was Dr. Maya Angelou’s role in the film and what was it like working with her?
MK: Dr. Maya Angelou narrated the film and wrote poetry for the film. Working with Dr. Angelou was magical and surreal. I don’t think, even now, that it has fully sunk in yet. She is the most phenomenal artists of our time and to collaborate with her, to sit at her feet, to dialogue with her about the project, and for her to give so much to the film, is truly an honor and a blessing.
Coretta: When was The Black Candle project conceived?
MK: The project was conceived in 2006 and we began shooting in the summer of 2006. I remember asking myself, ‘why isn’t there a film on Kwanzaa? Why isn’t there a film that celebrates my people?’ The answer was ‘because I hadn’t made it yet.’ This goes back to the idea that if you make an observation, you have an obligation. This film was not a choice for me, it’s something I had to do.
Coretta: Who are the other filmmakers involved in this project?
MK: The other producer on the project was Ben Haaz, an amazing thinker and an essential component to this project. Then, our executive producers were Walter Lomax, Bennett Lomax and Kenny Gamble.
Coretta: Why embrace the seven principles of Kwanzaa?
MK: Why not? Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperate economics, purpose, creativity and faith should be, as Chuck D says in the film, ‘the electricity of our lives.’ These principles are universal and need to embraced by the world.
Coretta: Why do you believe Kwanzaa is important today?
MK: For a variety of reasons. Firstly, it was a holiday created to celebrate us as African-Americans. It’s important to celebrate yourself and your heritage. We have a long and magnificent history that did not start with slavery, it’s important to recognize that. It is also important to reflect on our achievements and our goals, to have a space where young and old can connect in a cultural setting.
Coretta: Why did you use historical media clips of James Baldwin, Muhammad Ali and Angela Davis to frame the Kwanzaa movie?
MK: I realized in the course of making this film that this was more than a film about Kwanzaa, but a celebration of who we are as a people. The people you mentioned—Malcolm, Baldwin, Angela Davis—they are a part of that wonderful history.
Coretta: Where did you film the Kwanzaa celebrations in the film?
MK: All around the world. It was amazing. We filmed Kwanzaa celebrations in Paris, France, and Jamaica.
Coretta: Where does Hip Hop and Kwanzaa intersect?
MK: They are both African-American innovations and necessities, for one. In the film, Chuck D and Stic.man from Dead Prez discuss how the Afrocentric hip hop of the 80’s and 90’s contributed greatly to the growth of Kwanzaa.
Coretta: Was it difficult to connect with all of the celebrities in the film?
MK: People have been so receptive, open and willing to work on this historic project. Coordinating schedules was challenging but our entire cast was extremely excited about the project and showed us great love.
Coretta: What did Chuck D and Stic.man from Dead Prez bring to the project?
MK: They brought a contemporary, cultural relevance to the project. Kwanzaa is not about the 1960’s, it’s about right now. They illustrate, through their rhymes, that conscious hip hop is a part of African culture in the same way that drumming or respecting our elders is. They, along with lots of other young people in the film, give the film a contemporary voice that is crucial.
Coretta: You mentioned earlier that you recently launched an interactive website. What is your website address and what type of information can visitors get there?
MK: Our website—www.theblackcandle.com—is an interactive website where people can check out the trailer, read more about the film, the filmmakers, and the cast. We also have a forum and screening information because this film is being screened all around the world! For more information, email us at info@asantefilmworx.com.
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