Local film I Am Us will play in Caribbean Cinemas at Giftland Mall for eight consecutive nights, from January 17 to 24. The film follows the resounding success of the theatrical production last year on March 9 and 10.
Playwright Neaz Subhan had shared with The Scene last year that I Am Us was written in 2015, around the same time that Guyana held its last general election. Though the play included characters representing the six races, it was mostly reflective of the two major ethnicities and their attitudes toward each other during elections.
It tells a story of two neighbouring families, one each of East Indian and African ancestry. For decades, they were close friends until a conversation during a drink where one boasted about supporting the governing party and the other the opposing party. This led to conflict and racial slurs being thrown. Soon a divide ensued, and the two families were always feuding.
They went as far as preventing their children who grew up as best friends from communicating with each other, though the children continued to meet secretly. Then tragedy struck as one of the children fell ill and was hospitalized. The child of the other neighbour rebuked the actions of both families and along with friends representing the minor ethnicities encouraged the families to unite.
The play directly targeted taboo topics but did so through comedy
that brought home the message of Guyana’s motto to audiences. The production, which was put on at the National Cultural Centre, was free of cost and viewings of the movie will attract no cost as well.
According to a release from the Ethnic Relations Commission, the film will be launched a few days before it is open to the public and a number of dignitaries, including political leaders from various parties are invited to attend the launch. The 90-minute screen version, produced with minor adjustments from the play, the release said, “maintains the common theme; confronting the ‘elephant in the room’ of general elections, notwithstanding the need for peace, tolerance and unity.”
The release said the ERC will treat the venue as a safe space, which is symbolic of promoting continued tolerance and good relations among Guyanese, despite issues which may be considered contentious being brought into the open during the movie. Showings will be at 7 each night.
