Indie music documentaries can sometimes fall into one of two categories: Boring or unwatchable.
"Pick Up The Mic" is the exception to the rule. It documents the rise of the "Queer Hip-Hop," or "Homo Hop," movement from San Francisco in the early 1990s through 2005. It also chronicles the movement in other major cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, as well as some Midwestern cities, including Minneapolis.
The stories are of the musicians and their struggles, not only in the music industry, but as they come out, or in one instance, was found out. It also brings up the inner struggle of being an activist or breaking in to mainstream hip-hop.
There are several reasons to go see this movie. Most musicians will be able to relate to the struggle of identity and expressing themselves through their art. Another reason is that music is music, no matter who is performing it. The movie also educates uneducated viewers like myself on terms such as FTM (female to male) or MTF (male to female). And if you need one more reason: Local rapper and DJ Tori Fixx is featured.
Like any movie, though, there are parts that move a little slow, but overall, this movie is made well and interesting to watch.
"Pick Up The Mic" is playing at The Flaming Film Festival on Friday, May 26, 9:00 p.m., at the Suburban World Theatre in Minneapolis.
www.flamingfilmfestival.com
www.pickupthemic.com
|
