An African in America

In this home movie, Kenya native Alfred Mutua tries to tell fellow Africans "how life is really like in the United States." We know we're in trouble from the get-go when we see shots of American Indians, rodeo cowboys, and football players, which I grant you "are" a part of American life, but--ironically--too stereotypical. Other sections show Mutua going about his week in Spokane, WA, all in the apparent echo chamber that is typical of home movies: getting his hair cut, learning to stunt fly, fixing a meal for Kenyan friends, interviewing mall strangers, visiting a tacky looking nightclub, and taking 8 precious minutes to explain the problems that an ice storm has caused. In the video's most interesting--to Americans, that is--segment, a group of Kenyans discuss their experiences in the U.S., with one woman revealing that she was asked if she had to "buy clothes" once she got here! Though charming and well-intentioned, this is more home video than a professional production. Not recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (K. Glaser)