BSU Women's Forum Film Showing ICHI: Marks In Time

Join BSU Women's Forum for a screening of Ichi: Marks In Time in celebration of Black History Month. 

About the film: 

'Ichi: Marks in Time' delves deep into the themes of culture, colonialism, and the enduring power of photographs as it unravels the story of the Umudioka community in West Africa. Set against the backdrop of Northcote Thomas's 1911 study of the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria, the film presents a poignant narrative of resilience and cultural revival.

Through Thomas's lens, we are transported to a time when scarification marks known as ichi were misunderstood symbols of African customs, perpetuating colonial-era stereotypes. Yet, through the lens of 'Ichi: Marks in Time,' we witness a profound cultural reclamation as the Umudioka community reclaims their heritage and reinterprets their lost art.

The film paints a vivid picture of the significance of ichi, revealing how these marks of nobility once served as protection against enslavement. Despite facing adversity and the intervention of missionaries in the 1930s, the few surviving men who bear the scarification marks share their stories with a mix of pride and sorrow, reflecting on their harrowing childhood experiences and the evolution of Igbo culture.

Crafted in collaboration with the Umudioka community of Neni, 'Ichi: Marks in Time' is a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Igbo people. Filled with captivating song, dance, and masquerade, the film offers a profound reflection on continuity and change, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of African heritage.

Join us for this special film screening and embark on a journey through time and culture that will leave you inspired and enlightened