REVIEW: The first-ever film from Zambia to be shown on the Netflix platform is a 2022 release and a low- key gem.
If you’re in the mood for an actual heart-melting drama with some real grit and toughness at its core, then Can You See Us? comes highly recommended.
The film follows the early life of John Chiti, who was born albino in rural Zambia. His parent’s marriage was already contentious among their families and the first-born’s condition was enough to convince some people that a curse had been cast.
Fleeing the town after violence and threats, the small family settled in Lusaka, where John (renamed Joseph in this fictionalised retelling) discovered a phenomenal gift for music.
Today, John Chiti is a global star – with five albums released and more to come. He is a spokesman and activist for albino rights in Africa and father of two children.
Can You See Us is a great wee film. It’s a human story, well-told, without any of the saccharine and gloss of your usual Netflix weepie.
If the writers’ and actors’ strikes that have shut down Hollywood mean we get to see more African and Asian cinema on mainstream platforms, then Can You See Us? is a very promising start.
Source : Stuff
