Brazil, which helped change the face of popular music with samba and bossa nova, also lays claim to a thriving hip-hop scene. In this lively film, directors Karina Ades and Lila Rodrigues document a São Paulo DJ contest that has been held since 1997, with the winner traveling to London to compete in the world championship. Contestants here explain how they got started: some work in metal shops and office buildings, while others spend their time spinning records at parties. Because the expenses for mixers and record needles add up, the men share resources (unfortunately, there are no female contestants). For DJ Erick Jay, his dad's Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder records gave him the raw learning materials, but he would wait until his father wasn't around—lest his vinyl-scratching cause alarm. DJ Basim started out as a B-boy who would spin records to provide other break dancers with a soundtrack, but they kept encouraging his efforts, so he turned his ambitions from the dance floor to a set of turntables. DJ Sleep, who originally called himself DJ Nap, says his nickname comes from his tendency to nod out “in inappropriate places” (he doesn't seem to be aware that this condition has a name, i.e. narcolepsy). Ades and Rodrigues give everyone a chance to share their skills behind the decks on-camera—and there's plenty of talent to go around. DJ Max sums things up for the lot—whether they spin on the side or as a full-time career—saying, “You have to sacrifice a lot. You really have to love it.” An engaging documentary with solid beats, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
Me, the Vinyl and the Rest of the World
(2010) 72 min. In Brazilian Portuguese w/English subtitles. DVD: $80: public libraries & high schools; $300: colleges & universities. DRA. Third World Newsreel. PPR. Volume 30, Issue 1
Me, the Vinyl and the Rest of the World
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