Date: Sat, 5 Apr 1997 13:11:15 -0500 (EST)
From: Shashwati Talukdar <shash-AT-astro.ocis.temple.edu>
Subject: Advice on the "confessional" film


dear list members,

I've been working on the idea of the personal documentary being a 
confessional and being subject to similar kinds of power relationships 
thereof. And would appreciate some help with this project.

Last year I made a fake autobiography which told the story of 'Third 
World' women's oppression, and I have been having a very interesting time 
screening it. while some folks in the audience laughed (usually other 
"Third-World" folk) there were some who were completely offended that I 
would "lie" about my "naturally" oppressed life. The latest example of 
such an attitude is in the Whitney Biennial catalogue, which talks about 
how I tell a tragic tale about an apprssive and violent culture (mine). 
If people have the time, and find themselves in New York, check it out at 
teh Whitney Museum. The video, "My Life as a Poster," will be screening 
till June 8.

There is something so strong about the desire to see some people ("Third-
World women") as victims, that it becomes extremely urgent to promote 
such an image. My experience with the Whitney, isn't the only one I've 
had, but it certainly took the cake for misrepresentation, especially 
because I made them correct it in their press release and it still made 
an appearance in the catalogue.

I am writing a paper about the reception of "Third-World" images, 
and the disciplinary aspects of how these images are contextualized, so 
any help will be greatly appreciated. Right now I've based my argument on 
Foucault's explication of the confession, and the 'incitement to 
confess,' and I am looking further to talk about the commodification of 
"Third-World Oppression," suggestions, ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Shashwati-





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