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‘Warrior’ Artist Aims Oscar Grant Murals at Mehserle

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:34:53 +0100

OAKLAND, CA – Rubbing his face quietly, the Oakland-based artist Golden State Warrior looks out of a car window. He surveys his latest graffiti piece as the paint dries in the night air. “My art is intended to stimulate consciousness,” he says.

GSW’s paintings of contemporary urban black warriors holding giant African spears are prominent in high traffic areas throughout Oakland. “I use the warrior to bring vital information to my audience,” says GSW.

His new painting speaks directly to Oscar Grant’s killing, and to the former BART police officer on trial for the shooting. It’s an eight foot tall warrior standing vigilantly at 74th Street and MacArthur Boulevard in East Oakland. The character is clutching a trademark spear, and wears an Oakland A’s cap cocked to his right. He’s surrounded by the spray painted messages “Justice for Oscar Grant” and “RIP Lovelle Mixon.” “Oscar and Lovelle are both part of the battle between the police and the people,” the artist says. “Oscar was a tragedy. Lovelle was a victory.”

Lovelle Mixon was an Oakland resident who was involved in a shootout that included himself and four OPD officers on March 21, 2009. Mixon and the four officers died. GSW’s view points echo the sentiments of many in the community who feel the officers’ deaths were payback for years of police abuse.

The painted warrior’s shirt reads “Do The Right Thing.” It’s a plea to those deciding Mehserle’s fate. “What would it look like if they do the right thing and bring justice for Oscar Grant?,” GSW wonders.

As Oakland and the nation await a verdict and the city’s response, GSW said he believes the community, city and state are all preparing for the worst. “The city is investing in a fight with supporters of Oscar Grant, not in new levels of accountability for the police.”

Reflecting on the consequences of a not guilty ruling, GSW asks, “what else can the people do but tear up the city? What are we suppose to do when the court doesn’t work for us? I would rather see justice so it doesn’t come to that. But if justice doesn’t come, what else can we do? Nobody said anything about Oscar Grant until we rebelled in the streets and made the city listen to us.”

"Operation Small Axe" Director/Producer Adimu Madyun Wins The 2010 Rise Up Award

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:03:54 +0100

Here at 393Films, we are pleased to announce some amazing news: on March 21st, 2010, director and producer of the documentary "Operation Small Axe" Adimu Madyun went on the road. His destination: The Patois International Rights Film Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. His purpose: to debut the film.

The film received a standing ovation. Adimu himself received the 2010 Rise Up Award. This accolade is given to a film which makes a passive experience into an active one. In other words, the Rise Up Award strives to answer the following question: are you watching the movie, or is the moving watching you?

Apparently, when it comes to "Operation Small Axe," the answer is a resounding, Yes. "Yes, I am watching it. I am engaging it. I am of it. I am in it."

Adimu agrees. "I want people to leave my films with strong emotions and feelings," he said when asked about his process. "I want the audience to be moved into action. I want to capture the real everyday passion of life. It might not be politically-correct at all times, but it is the voice of the people."

Indeed, "Operation Small Axe" is a documentary that refuses to flinch. The piece takes an up-close-and-personal look into the cold eyes of police terrorism in Oakland, California, through the stories of Lovelle Mixon and Oscar Grant. The upcoming months prove the only thing small about this film is that word in the title. Aside from winning an award for raising larger questions, the film will also be debuting in places such as New York, Atlanta, France and Finland. Please, check out our Events page to keep abreast to these dates.

Mama At Twilight: A Play Featuring Adimu Madyun of 393Films

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:14:30 +0100

So, in light of our recent explosion of creativity, there is yet another eruption on the forefront. Check it out:

Our very own Adimu Madyun of 393Films has obtained a crucial role in the play "Mama at Twilight," to be performed at Oakland's own Beebe Memorial Cathedral on March 6th from 4:00-6:00 PM and March 7th from 3:00-5:00 PM. Please see our events page for further details. This play is in honor of National Week of Prayer for Healing AIDS.

That being said, to go further in depth as to what this momentous week in itself entails: this is a week of education in the prevention of, the survival with, and most of all, the artistic incentive for the education concerning AIDS: the most political of illnesses. This week will devote positive vibrations, prayer, and inspiration for those living with, healing, and becoming aware of the virus.

Recall how it was only twenty short years ago, when AIDS was considered a terminal illness, when it was unceramoniously mis-christened and stigmatized as GRIDS (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency Syndrome.) Today, in the year of 2010, we are proud to say that there are various methods of educating the public about AIDS, in developing the power of knowledge to understand that we are all susceptible to this disease, as much as our healing, whether we or a loved one struggle with it, or simply seek to educate ourselves. More importantly, the treatment, transmission of, and most of all, sense of well-being affiliated with this epidemic--whether or not one has been afflicted--is within our realm of conscious education. If knowledge is power (and it is) come join is, and support Adimu in his performance in honor of this moving week.

February 21st Event: "Free Mumia" Gets Strong Support.

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:11:41 +0100

Here at 393Films, we are ecstatic to give you some awe-inspiring news regarding our recent event: Free Mumia!

On February 21st, in Oakland, California, we kicked off the Free Mumia event at Humanist Hall. This event included a preview of our very own 393Films feature-length film, "Operation Small Axe." For anyone not privy to the catalyst for this film, here is a brief backstory of the injustice: on January 1st, 2009, Oscar Grant was shot in the back and killed by Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Johannes Mehserle. On March 21st, Lovelle Mixon was killed by Oakland police offers after having allegedly shot five OPD officers, killing four. "Operation Small Axe," interrogates a world besieged by police terrorism.

First off, we want to thank those supporters who waged against the stormy night, to pack into humanist hall to show support for Mumia Abu Jamal and to preview the new film brought to you by Adimu Madyun. Pam and Ramona Africa from Philadelphia's MOVE organization and POCC chairman Fred Hampton JR, were on hand.

The response that followed was electric! The people applauded the courage of the filmmakers for putting out the film....The film is currently on a world tour and will be shown next at the Patois International Human Rights festival in New Orleans on March 21, 2010. Please check out our events calendar for a comprehensive list of screenings.

We cannot begin to express how crucial audience support is. In our up-and-coming endeavors, beginning with the aforementioned Human Rights Films Festival, we do not intend to end our screenings, gatherings, panels, and projects anytime soon. So, please follow-up with us.

Welcome!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:12:00 +0100

So glad you stopped by.