I attended my first red carpet, film premiere night two weeks ago. Except, it was not Hollywood, it was “Nollywood” and I was in Lagos, Nigeria.
My friend Diane cites the phrase “open your kimono” which refers to getting to the core of people, places and things. Exposing what is beneath the surface is not easy, and not always a pretty picture – yet it brings to light the truth of what is.
Michelle Bello’s movie “Small Boy” opened a kimono showing one aspect of the sprawling, diverse, controversial and vibrant city life of one of Africa’s largest cities. Parts of Small Boy reminded me of Slum Dog Millionaire in that it uncovers the plight of street kids – those in Lagos.
On the plane home – after one or two other kimono opening experiences in England – I enjoyed another moving film “Invictus”, a unifying South African tale of hope over hatred. Truth based movies are masterful instruments of storytelling – often providing opportunities for us to open our kimonos and let them touch or transform our understanding.
Consider sharing the life inspiring tales beneath your own surface!
Welcoming more,
