(Goodbye Uncle Tom)  1971
Directed by Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi
135 minutes
In Italian with English subtitles

Certainly one of the most controversial films of all time, banned in many countries around the world, including England for 35 years. The film is just as hot today as when it was made because it stirs up feelings which are hard to shake away and can't be denied. Some people fiercely defend the film, and some are fiercely against it.... but no one stays neutral. For my vote, I think that directors Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi (Mondo Cane) are two of the most unsung heroes of cinema.... and once again in this film they break the mold of what's possible in filmmaking.

The film is shot in documentary style, but the premise is about several Italian filmmakers who "go back in time" to document the treatment of blacks in America during slavery. The film team interviews people from that time, including plantation owners, and the script was based on the actual diaries of people who lived in that time. Whereas most American films soften the blow when they make a film about slavery, this film dives in head-first. And once again, since the directors are not typical in any way, they refuse to keep this theme in the past, but instead reveal how racism is still very much alive today. It will prove to be an explosive evening.

I should also point out that the film has one of the most haunting soundtracks ever, by the magical Riz Ortolani, and the theme song, "Oh, my Love" was used by Nicolas Winding Refn in his film Drive... And what a heartbreaking song it is, sung by Katyna Ranieri.

A few viewer's comments:

"Makes "The Passion of The Christ" seem like Romper Room"

"If we all were to watch this it would aid in exorcizing some demons that have lain dormant too long. It forces the viewer to look not only at the history of this world but the scary world we live in. Brilliant."

"Goodbye Uncle Tom is downright jaw-dropping and surprisingly professional. Terrifically shot documentary-style, this film explores the interaction between the races in modern America. Jacopetti and Prosperi are all showing it uncensored and without mercy. The inhumanity of previous generations makes you bow your head in shame. The film opens with a truly atmospheric portrait of how Martin Luther King's death mobilized the black community. Right from that moment, you just know that you're about to see a film that is a lot more intelligent than it seems and ahead of its time when it comes to being provocative. A history lesson that sticks to you!"

"To say this is a very strange, very dark film is an understatement. Addio Zio Tom is truly a guided tour through hell."

"In essence, Addio Zio Tom is a historical allegory for the reluctance of 1960s America to address the issues that the nation in the 1700 and 1800s held as perfectly acceptable. It is dazzling, vicious filmmaking with an artistic flair and a real eye for compelling imagery. It may be an uncomfortable experience, but this lost statement on the United States' 400 years of shame is something that should definitely be seen."

Location Info:

Accessibility - Only stairs. No elevator available to get to the 2nd floor.

Bike parking - Due to having neighbors, no parking in front of the OT301 building entrance. 

Public transit -Tram stop ‘J.P. Heijestraat’ (Tram 1)

Car parking - Reade Overtoom (Paid per hour) or streetside.