In this timely critical introduction to the representation of Afghanistan in film; Mark Graham examines the often surprising combination of propaganda and poetry in films made in Hollywood and the East. Through the lenses of postcolonial theory and historical reassessment; Graham analyzes what these films say about Afghanistan; Islam; and the West and argues that they are integral tools for forming discourse on Afghanistan; a means for understanding and avoiding past mistakes; and symbols of the countrys shaky but promising future. Thoughtfully addressing many of the misperceptions about Afghanistan perpetuated in the West; Afghanistan in the Cinema incorporates incisive analysis of the market factors; funding sources; and political agendas that have shaped the films.The book considers a range of films; beginning with the 1970s epics The Man Who Would Become King and The Horsemen and following the shifts in representation of the Muslim world during the Russian War in films such as The Beast and Rambo III. Graham then moves on to Taliban-era films such as Kandahar; Osama; and Ellipsis; the first Afghan film directed by a woman. Lastly; the book discusses imperialist nostalgia in films such as Charlie Wilsons War and destabilizing visions represented in contemporary works such as The Kite Runner.
#1866611 in eBooks 2010-10-01 2010-10-01File Name: B009LUOUQU
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Must ReadBy RyEssential reading.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. African American Steel Guitar TraditionBy Dwight DeVaneAfrican American Steel Guitar TraditionsFrom a wide view. Bob Stones recent publication Sacred Steel: Inside an African American Steel Guitar Tradition. is a thoughtfully considered contribution to the expanding narrative regarding the uniqueness. and value of African American expressive culture. From a closer view. this book is more like a combination ethnography. history and resource guide devoted to revealing and disseminating information about these religious institutions and the ecstatic and emotional music that has developed within their religious services.Until recently. the steel guitar tradition was mostly associated with Hawaiian or Country music forms. but fieldwork done over the last decade by Stone. has revealed and documented an incredibly powerful and vibrant music tradition associated with two African American religious "Dominions"-the House of God. and The Church of the Loving God. whose Pentecostal services are led and driven by steel guitar practitioners. For most of us. our immediate thought after first listening to this music is the question "Where did this music come from. and why havent I heard of it before now "? This book follows many years of sensitive fieldwork by Stone of this religious community. contains wonderful historical and current photographs. extensive interviews representing a surprising number of the significant principals historically associated with this music tradition.and supplies a videography.a discography as an added resource for the reader.This is an insiders view of the incredible musical expressions associated with these "Dominions". examines how the music operates. looks at the dynamic model of its inception and continued evolvement and the associated impacts with popular culture and a larger and growing secular audience. This book should be owned by anyone interested in African American music traditions.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fantastic book!By MRTThis book. for many. gives a first look at this electrifying musical tradition. long hidden from the society in which it has been embedded. Sacred Steel takes us inside the world where African American Pentecostal musicians play lap or pedal steel guitars to soulfully bring the spirit to worshipers in the Pentecostal church. Stones descriptive pyrotechnics parallel that of the music he describes: the accounts of the musics role in services are full of emotion and fervor as churchgoers are infused with the spirit. with "shouting" and dance.The book begins with Stone(an accomplished musician . folklorist and ethnographer) recounting his serendipitous introduction to this music. and we are swept along with the journey of discovery that took him to church services. funerals("homegoings") and gatherings of the Keith and Jewell dominions. Long years of research and working together on the numerous disks for Arhoolie Records has left Stone in a remarkable position as trusted friend and confidant for many of the musicians and their families. Extensive interviews let us draw near to the musicians and church elders. and show the humor. inventiveness and resiliency that helped these musicians survive and perform.The book describes the different churches or "dominions" . and the music traditions distinctive to each. Their history is full of strong colorful figures who founded and led these churches during the difficult times of segregation of the early 20th century. As with any system. musicians are subject to the vicissitudes of the political climate of the different Pentecostal dominions. The book describes the conflicts. struggles and patronage through which this music emerges.The serious steel player will find the stylistic specifics of different musicians invaluable. while the rest of us are will enjoy the richly descriptive passages that convey the qualities of the music and services. Separate chapters are dedicated to the lives and musical accomplishments of Sacred Steel luminaries like Willie Eason. Chuck Campbell. and Calvin Cooke.This is a fascinating account of an amazing musical form.
