Nigerian-British filmmaker Jenn Nkiru’s short film Rebirth Is Necessary is an enthralling work of art. As part of NOWNESS’ Black Star series, the series gave rising directors, such as Nkiru, an opportunity to demonstrate Afrofuturism through their own personal lenses. As the final film in the series, Nkiru leaves us with an array of emotions, as art should. Rich in culture, we are left with a profound sense of passion and joy about what it ultimately means to experience blackness, the resilience of our people, and the magic that fills our spirit.
“I was thinking about so much while making Rebirth Is Necessary—the summation of my loaded feelings and questions over the last few years. I was thinking about black people, the black experience—which is my constant—and the idea of black universality,” Nkiru explains to NOWNESS.
“Creating this piece felt like therapy. It’s where I got to reconcile my worlds—the material and the spiritual, the human and divine. This film is jazz; black magic in motion. I hope it can be a source of inspiration, affirmation and healing to others as it has been to me, especially the black diaspora.”
Through archival footage spanning across generations, expressive portraits across the Diaspora, and wise words from the greats, Rebirth Is Necessary allows us to travel back in time while simultaneously becoming aware of the future of blackness–all within eight minutes. Featuring hauntingly beautiful voiceovers from Afrofuturism pioneer Sun Ra, and the poetry of James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and more, the eight-minute short is not only visually stunning, but also thought provoking. At times, even hypnotizing. The footage captures you, reels you in, only to swiftly redirect your attention to another dreamlike segment. And that’s the ethereal magic of Nkiru’s work. Although everything quickly fades, we’re still left with mighty feelings of pride, happiness, and hope for the past, present, and future. Above, experience the art that is Rebirth Is Necessary.
To learn more about Jenn Nkiru and her work, visit her website.
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