Sembène Film Festival: The Last of the Blue Devils

Throughout The Last of the Blue Devils — ”a presentation” of longtime jazz aficionado Clint Eastwood — director Bruce Ricker’s split-screen technique allows plenty of opportunity to watch Turner, Jesse Price, Charles McPherson, and Co. enjoy one another’s performances while as Ricker points out, ”they’re creating poetry on the spot.” His monotone audio commentary — a startling contrast to the ultra-laid-back warmth of the documentary — is filled with interesting tidbits nonetheless, so all this DVD is short on is musical outtakes. Still, not even that can dampen what Basie appreciates as ”a beautiful gathering.” Run time 90 min

Sembène – The Film & Art Festival – is a group of scholars, activists and film aficionados. Our mission is to celebrate the life, showcase the work and honor the legacy of African Filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, through film and other complementary cultural events. The Festival serves both as a vehicle and catalyst: to honor the life, work and legacy of Ousmane Sembène and to showcase film makers and other art/cultural events that speak, unflinchingly, to the important issues facing the modern African Diaspora.