That's My Face

Documentary filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris' That's My Face is the engaging story of the director's lifelong quest to reconcile diverse, often conflicting, ideas within his family about the nature of African-American identity. His grandfather was cited by W.E.B. DuBois as a role model for blacks seeking a socioeconomic foothold through education, his grandmother insisted her kin unite through Christian faith, and his mother believed that black Americans should embrace and be embraced by Africa (the film includes wonderful, impressionistic home movies from the early ‘70s capturing the Harris family's adventures in Tanzania). Still, Thomas could not find the true ancestral connection he sought--both African and Western--until immersing himself, years later, in Brazil's African population, where in Salvador da Bahia the filmmaker finally discovers himself within a mysterious, vibrant culture that produces the annual Carnival. Harris' reflective, slightly self-effacing approach and shimmering visual images make That's My Face as entertaining to watch as it is deeply felt. DVD extras include bonus footage that looks as good as the final cut along with commentary. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)