(2011) dir Andrew Dosunmu w/Alassane Sy, Sky Grey, Danai Gurira, Anthony Okungbowa [80 min] One of the most fascinating and vital results of the video revolution in filmmaking is the emergence of new voices in American cinema from the fringes of our society – in particular the immigrant communities. In the case of RESTLESS CITY, the story is told within the almost hermetic world of African immigrants in New York City. Djbirl (Alassane), a young Senegalese musician freshly arrived in the city, works as a sort of courier/odd jobber for a crime boss who peddles everything from bootleg DVDs to prostitutes. When Djbirl falls for one of these girls, problems inevitably arise. Though it roots itself in the relatively traditional tale of a young man caught up in a criminal underground that he is unprepared to survive in, RESTLESS CITY is told with such a striking and poetic style that it transcends its straightforward narrative.
“The thrust and power of the film lies in its poetic imagery, in the way [director] Dosunmu and cinematographer Bradford Young use light and composition to make almost every frame (breathtaking profiles; close-ups on faces and feet; slo-mo moped rides down city streets) stunning.” – The Village Voice
“‘Restless City’ is tumescent with atmosphere… [Dosunmu's] film has the alluring thinness of old French movies and the throbbing vividness of oldish American ones.” —Wesley Morris, The Boston Globe (Read the Review)
“Visually stirring and emotionally evocative with touching characters and terrific performances.” – Kristofer Jenson, Dig Boston
Restless City
Area Premiere!
Buy Tickets Brattle Passes Accepted
Plays Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19.
(2011) dir Andrew Dosunmu w/Alassane Sy, Sky Grey, Danai Gurira, Anthony Okungbowa [80 min]
One of the most fascinating and vital results of the video revolution in filmmaking is the emergence of new voices in American cinema from the fringes of our society – in particular the immigrant communities. In the case of RESTLESS CITY, the story is told within the almost hermetic world of African immigrants in New York City. Djbirl (Alassane), a young Senegalese musician freshly arrived in the city, works as a sort of courier/odd jobber for a crime boss who peddles everything from bootleg DVDs to prostitutes. When Djbirl falls for one of these girls, problems inevitably arise. Though it roots itself in the relatively traditional tale of a young man caught up in a criminal underground that he is unprepared to survive in, RESTLESS CITY is told with such a striking and poetic style that it transcends its straightforward narrative.