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Finding Fela (15)

Documentary, Biography, History

A look at the life and music of Nigerian singer Fela Kuti.

More information on this production is available at findingfela.co.uk.

The critical consensus

It’s a decent enough beginner’s guide, though never quite gets a grip on its complex subject. Check out 1982 Fela doc Music Is The Weapon – or consider it a stopgap until the biopic emerges from development hell.

***(*)(*)Ali Catterall, Total Film, 01/09/2014

It's a film that's determined to demystify an enigma, but the sobering reality is that the most enlightening way into the mind of this artist is doubtlessly to listen to his records.

**(*)(*)(*)Alan Laidlaw, The List, 01/09/2014

Finding Fela finds Kuti’s voice once more, giving us a fascinating glimpse of the man and the world he created.

****(*)Madeleine Dunnigan, TVBomb, 04/09/2014

Some amazing archive footage just about saves the dull structure.

David Jenkins, Little White Lies, 04/09/2014

The slick presentation of Gibney's film successfully gets that appeal across, but the method feels compromised.

**(*)(*)(*)Henry Barnes, The Guardian, 04/09/2014

It's an intriguing piece, boosted by the open and honest recollections of Kuti's friends and family, and buoyed up by fragments of live footage, which remain utterly electrifying.

***(*)(*)Mark Kermode, The Observer, 07/09/2014

Where and when?

Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Friday September 5, 2014, until Sunday September 7, 2014. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/

Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Saturday September 6, 2014, until Monday September 8, 2014. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com

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