The best film I’ve seen so far this festival. An incredibly intimate portrait of the English Tamil-born singer and rapper, M.I.A. The film follows Maya’s rise to fame and the controversy that surrounds her highly political music.
Rather than discuss her personal life or the production of her music, this film is focused on the rappers efforts to bring the Sri Lankan military crisis into the Western media, only to be misrepresented and belittled by American journalists and television presenters.
I didn’t listen to a lot of M.I.A. before seeing the documentary, but I was intrigued enough by her character and message to buy a ticket. After hearing more about her background and the context surrounding her music, I have a newfound respect for her as a political artist and activist.
A must-see.
Nick (17)
Matangi / Maya / M.I.A.
Melbourne International Film Festival
Sydney Film Festival