Shabu
By Shamira Raphaëla • 2021 • Documentary • 75
A larger-than-life feelgood family film for young and old(er) to enjoy. A hot summer and a boy with a thirst for life, juggling the women in his life, grandma, mom, girlfriend.
The Dutch-Caribbean Shabu (14) lives in a block called Paperklip, in a notorious neighborhood of Rotterdam South. He dreams of being a famous musician. In a feel-good documentary, we enter this community through his eyes, vibrant and exuberant, exciting and fun. A colorful loving environment where everyone knows and supports each other.
Shabu needs that support, since he has a big obstacle to overcome this summer; he angered the most import woman in his life; his grandmother. He crashed her car joyriding it while she’s on vacation in Surinam. So, instead of working on his music career he’ll have to pay for the damages done.
IDFA 2021 – Best Youth Film
Berlinale 2022 – Generation (Special Mention from the Jury)
Human IDFF 2022
BUFF 2022
CPH:Dox 2022
Hot Docs 2022
« A 14-year-old kid living in one of Rotterdam’s roughest estates, but blessed with boundless talent, entrepreneurial savvy and a ton of teenage charm. » - Business Doc Europe
« One of the most joyful and endearing documentaries of the past few years... » - International Cinephile Society
« The film is a fresh, vibrant and charming portrait of an equally charming young man. » - Cineuropa
« Through its boisterous main character, Shamira Raphaëla's 'Shabu' represents a break from the clichéd images of Black experience in the West. » - The Film Verdict
Director: Shamira Raphaëla
Country: The Netherlands
Production year: 2021
Language: Dutch
Runtime: 75
