Zimbabwe gets a taste of Oscar glory and a โKanyeโ moment with Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett
Zimbabwe enjoyed its first taste of Oscar glory. That was on Sunday night when the film โ#Music by Prudenceโ won the Best Short Documentary gong at the 2010 Academy Awards.
โMusic by Prudenceโ documents #Prudence Mabhenaโs life. Sheโs a 21-year-old from Bulawayo who has arthrogryposis. Arthrogryposis congenital disorder that crippled her arms and legs.
Few Oscar films have packed in more profundity per minute than the tale of Prudence and seven other disabled young musicians transcending bigotry and isolation through art and fellowship.
โThis is amazing. Two years ago when I flew to Zimbabwe, I never imagined I would wind up here,โ said the filmโs American producer-director, Roger Williams as he accepted the award. โThis is for Prudence.โ
In the audience, Prudence beamed from her wheelchair after making the trip to the Awards having earlier expressed doubts because of problems with her visa.
The only blemish on Prudenceโs incredible night was producer #Elinor Burkett borrowing a move from #Kanye Westโs playbook when she stormed the stage and interrupted Williamsโ acceptance. The two collaborated on the movie.
Burkett explained in a post-speech interview with Salon that the pair had a disagreement over the โdirection of the filmโ. And that she was late to the podium because Williamsโ mother used a cane to keep her from the stage. She went on to say that Williams hadnโt even heard of Zimbabwe until she told him about the country.
Read both sides of the story here
Despite that small hiccup, it was a great achievement and a beautiful story.
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