Ethnographic Film Series

Organised by the Royal Anthropological Institute’s Film Committee and SOAS Department of Anthropology and Sociology

13 November Wednesday 1 PM, Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS    

The Bastard Sings the Sweetest Song

Christy Garland, 71 mins, Guyana

The Bastard, using direct cinema style, introduces us to the Smith family in Georgetown, Guyana where both Muscle, and his mother Mary, each struggle to fight the family demons of violence and alcoholism, bringing them into conflict with each other. As much as it’s a story about family and Muscle’s flawed but brave attempts to care for his mother, Christy Garland’s sensitive film is also a study of class struggle in Guyana. The conflict between Muscle and Mary is at once tragic and hopeful as both mother and son, despite their differences, share a resilient approach to life.

For further information on the film please contact: RAI Film Officer, Susanne Hammacher, film@therai.org.uk, or Kimberly Chong, SOAS Anthropology Department, kc27@soas.ac.uk

These are public events – all are welcome.