A Film That Deserves to Be Seen by All

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MOVIE REVIEW
Alma’s Rainbow
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 1994
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Ayoka Chenzira
Writer(s): Ayoka Chenzira
Cast: Kim Weston-Moran, Victoria Gabrielle Platt, Mizan Kirby
Where To Watch: opens theatrically in a new 4K restoration on July 29 in New York at BAM and on August 7 at American Cinematheque in LA (the restoration was done by the Academy Film Archive, The Film Foundation and the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation)

A beautiful film that I fear my words will not do justice to. I can put every word of praise that comes to mind here, and I still don’t think I’ll get through my thoughts on the film. The film was lovingly restored from its 1994 mono version to the beautiful 4k, 5.1 stereo it is today. Most notably, in terms of restoration, the film was left as a “film!” Too often, restorations take away the film grain's magic and warmth. I love a clean, digital cinema experience as much as the next person, but there is something unmistakably unique about a movie with film grain.

I will often compare films to others I have seen before; in this case, I don’t think it would be fair for either film to compare this to another. It is very much its unique experience with a story that the writer/director/producer Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., consciously created the film they wanted to. It was a pleasure to experience this vision come to life. The original distribution of the film fell through, and that’s why it’s so important that we’re getting this beautiful film now.

The definition of a coming-of-age film tackling so many subjects in a very blunt and upfront way. Something even the best of the best shies away from. I could write an entire review on just Chenzira alone; the obstacles she overcame to create this film and the goals she’s achieved in life both before and after this are many. A teacher (in higher education,) an animator, and so much more. A true talent that has achieved more than most could even dream of.

If you’re lucky enough to live in the area, the film opens theatrically in a new 4K restoration on thanks to Kino Lorber on July 29 in New York at BAM and August 7 at American Cinematheque in LA.

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