Hey Fam,
As we embark on the worldwide DVD release of THIS IS THE LIFE, I marvel to think that this all started from a storefront on the corner of Crenshaw and Exposition…
Winner of Audience Awards in Los Angeles, Toronto and Seattle, THIS IS THE LIFE chronicles a collective of young artists who gathered weekly at a health food store in South Central LA during the early ’90s. Their mandate was to shun the pervasive west coast gang culture of the time and cultivate a robust, progressive artist community. Our feature-length documentary explores the little known story of these artists known as “The Good Lifers,” the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the hip hop artform.
Since its festival debut in 2008, THIS IS THE LIFE has been championed by audiences and icons alike. The hip hop legend Chuck D explained, “Upon watching this film, a time-honored hip hop statement rings loudly – ‘If you don’t know, now you know.’ This is a story that has been missing from our cultural consciousness. The LA Underground scene has been “slept on” and passed over when it comes to its important contribution to the hip hop art form. Their styles and language, as well as the gymnastic vocal twists, symbolize the highest standards of rhyme. This film keeps their highly relevant music fresh and in its purest form, letting the stories be told from the mouths and minds that lived it. THIS IS THE LIFE is exceptional, a documentary not to be forgotten.” The day Chuck D sent that statement of support was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Very dope, indeed.
The week of Mar 9 will be a celebration of Good Life culture, music and the artists who pioneered a new hip hop movement. Here’s the rundown and we hope you’ll join us however you can and wherever you are:
1) Our one-week theatrical engagement at the Downtown Independent Theater from Mar 11-17 for LA fans.
2) The landmark reunion concert at House of Blues, featuring all the Good Life legends, on Mar 10 for SoCal fans.
3) The DVD release of our film, with more than 70 minutes of special features, on Mar 10 for fans everywhere via www.goodlifelove.com. .
Thanks for the support and goodwill on this project. It was made out of love, with pure elbow grease and lots of good energy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed directing it.
Ever onward,
Ava DuVernay
Director, THIS IS THE LIFE
Mar 2009
Related Reads:
INTERVIEW: THIS IS THE LIFE Director Ava DuVernay
Chali2na discusses THIS IS THE LIFE
Abstract Rude & Pigeon John discuss THIS IS THE LIFE
THIS IS THE LIFE :: Screening & Reunion Show
THIS IS THE LIFE :: Preview Clip
URB Contests :: Win A Pair Of Tix To The ‘This Is The Life’ Reunion at House of Blues
Leave A Comment!