Shabu
12A
Why watch?
“A hilarious, endearing and indefatigably upbeat documentary that's perfect for the summer months.”
Robb Barham,
Operations & Programme Manager
Tuesday Wonders: Reel Life
Precocious Rotterdam teenager, Shabu isn’t doing great. After stealing and crashing his grandmother’s car – and getting a remote scolding from her via Skype – he owes her €1,200 to be paid at the end of the summer when she’s back from Suriname. He takes on a series of odd jobs to save up the cash but finds them boring and would much rather hang out with his best friend Jahnoa or girlfriend Stephy (although he often has a hard time choosing which).
Then, spurred on by the dog days of a sun-dappled urban summer, inspiration hits – and Shabu decides to stage a block party in order to showcase his talents as a rapper and earn back his grandmother’s trust.
Shamira Raphaëla’s hilarious, endearing and indefatigably upbeat documentary is powered by the charm of its subject; the good-natured, street-smart, sensitive and resourceful Shabu. Exploring the architecturally striking, working-class Rotterdam neighbourhood of De Peperklip (The Paperclip) and its multifarious community, it’s a joyful, evocative, optimistic watch.
Please note: unfortunately we have had to cancel the Friday 4th August screening of Shabu. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Details
“ Magical and euphoric, rather as if Jacques Demy had jazzed up La Haine.”
The Guardian
“Raphaëla tweaks the vérité to capture deeper truths about being young and the texture of a city childhood.”
Danny Leigh, Financial Times
“A joyful summertime doc that lets its endearing teen protagonist take the lead”
Sight & Sound
“There’s no doubt about the candour at the heart of the project, and the charm of its central subject make it infinitely watchable!”
Little White Lies
