Film Review: Matangi / Maya / M.I.A

— from Gray Gailey, OISD 8th Grader —
as part of the Orcas Island Film Fest/Orcas Island Lit Fest Collaboration

In a first time collaboration between The Orcas Island Film Festival and The Orcas Island Lit Fest (READ STORY) in association with Novel Lab, the Future Film Critics program offered Orcas youth the opportunity to try their hand at reviewing films during the 5th Annual Film Festival. Participating kids had their movie and snacks paid for and received guidance, mentoring and editing from professional, published writers.

“THIS IS NOT A NORMAL POP DOCUMENTARY,
BECAUSE M.I.A. IS NOT A NORMAL POP STAR.”
—THE ATLANTIC

“Matangi/ Maya/ M.I.A.” by director Steve Loveridge peers into the life of hip hop and pop singer M.I.A., born Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, including her path to fame and how she defied stereotypes as well as the constant barrage of controversy that surrounds her. Using never before seen footage shot by M.I.A. herself over more than a decade, as well as Loveridge’s own seven hundred hours worth of documentary footage, Loveridge creates a compelling story that is about more than a musician’s ascent to fame. The documentary boldly faces issues such as racism, violence and cultural stereotypes to show viewers what life is like in Mathangi’s hometown in Sri Lanka, which she was forced to flee with her mother and siblings when she was a young child.

In the film, the singer shares footage of her visits back to Sri Lanka where her father was a leader in the Tamil Tiger government-resistance movement. By doing so, she depicts the repressiveness and horrors that her family experienced in her homeland, and the viewer is able to make the connection between the meaning behind her songs and that experience. Sounds we hear in her personal footage clearly inform her most popular song, Paper Planes. With its controversial gunshots and lyrics, M.I.A. explains that the song is “about stereotypes attached to immigrants” and people’s beliefs that they take jobs and money.

“M.I.A.” also includes real footage of terrorism and government executions in Sri Lanka, which may be upsetting to some, but does force audiences to really understand and appreciate the importance of what M.I.A. is speaking up about. Not only does the documentary “M.I.A.” address racism and cultural stereotypes, it also covers self-identity. Mathangi argues that you should always be yourself and stand up for what you believe in. The film also conveys that you can overcome your past, break free from your roots and what others think you are supposed to be. Your family, culture, or people who disapprove of you, cannot stop you from achieving your dream.

I would certainly recommend this documentary, especially to people who are fans of M.I.A., interested in music, or feel confined by culture, religion, stereotypes, or nationality. However, I would caution that “M.I.A.” contains footage of graphic violence (real videos of wars in Sri Lanka and executions, as mentioned above) as well as a great deal of profanity; therefore, depending on your family’s preferences, it may not be suitable for children younger than 18.

View a Movie Trailer at: www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=zsb1dgsFvpM