:: Dogonland ::

WELCOME TO DOGONLAND - LIFESTYLE, CINEGRITUDE, PAN-AFRICAN SPIRIT

Who Am I:
Del Hornbuckle, cinephile-to-the-bone supreme; writer; radical librarian/cultural worker; Jazz Head/dub & bass head; feminist; Sagittarius, therefore a lifelong wanderlust, philosopher and seeker of truth; pan-Africanist; Africanist; animal rights activist; humanist; a Texas-born, Generation-Xer, black woman and descendant of U.S. slaves.

Purpose of Dogonland:
A space of celebration, commentary, exploration, observation and critique of the visual assets throughout the Diaspora. A platform, outlet and mouthpiece for what's hidden in plain sight'I'm a , thus this space is about the truth-be-told around our rich tradition of cinema. This space is also about fostering a black film aesthetic separate and far apart from the lens that Hollywood and in some cases independent cinema has placed in our path. I am guided by the spirit of my angel and muse, Ousmane Sembene.

What is Dogonland:
A homage to pan-African cinema-on occasion other art forms but mainly, film. The name Dogonland comes from a life-altering experience, my trip to Mali and first trip to West Africa. The name honors the Dogon country--the people, culture, mythology, science and technology. The trip was unchartered and inspired by Maryse Conde's novel, Segu. Mali is a VERY special place.

Dogonland MOJO:

Going To The Territory by Ralph Ellison,

".....had there been no blacks, certain creative tensions arising from the cross-purposes of whites and blacks would also not have existed. Not only would there have been no Faulkner; there would have been no Stephen Crane, who found certain basic themes of his writing in the Civil War. Thus, also, there would have been no Hemingway, who took Crane as a source and guide. Without the presence of Negro American style, our jokes, our tall tales, even our sports would be lacking in the sudden turns, the shocks, the swift changes of pace (all jazz-shaped) that serve to remind us that the world is ever unexplored, and that while a complete mastery of life is mere illusion, the real secret of the game is to make life swing. It is its ability to articulate this tragic-comic attitude toward life that explains much of the mysterious power and attractiveness of that quality of Negro American style known as "soul".... An expression of American diversity within unity, of blackness with whiteness, soul announces the presence of a creative struggle against the realities of existence.............."

It is not a question of muse, of inspiration. I am about reality. My reference point is my people. What I do comes from and is inspired by them. The most important thing is to be able to speak to Africa. Whatever the subject matter, it has to be appropriate to Africa."

Ousmane Sembene

Del R. Hornbuckle
2007
shoutout (at) dogonland.com