2022 BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Teenager Tinashé (Negassa Sarka) and his mother (Juedd Mari) don’t always see eye to eye, and one night they disagree so badly that Tinashé decides that it’s time for him to move out. The coming-of-age short film, written and directed by Tig Terera, tells the story of this young man as he tries to find his way in the world. He quickly finds himself living in the bed of a close friend with no money–but his journey is far from over. This is a story of youth and coming to terms with who you are–but Tinashé’s journey is unique.
Does Tinashé glorify the life of a teenager on the run? To a degree, I believe that it does. A good portion of the short film discusses all of the freedom that the young Tinashé experiences when he leaves home. Stealing cars, smoking weed, and essentially doing whatever tickles his fancy, Tinashé is seen living the good life. On the flip side viewers see, throughout the course of Tinashé, the struggles of being a teenager, homeless, and short on cash. There’s an interesting juxtaposition present throughout the narrative–and they conflict with one another, but they represent a truth. The reality is that not everything is fine and dandy, and nothing is horrible all the time–a combination of both exists in the real world.
There’s something very lovable about Sarka’s Tinashé, and that comes as a result of both what Sarka and Terera bring to the table. Tinashé feels very typical, like nothing about him is out of the ordinary–and that makes him relatable. The fact that Terera is able to create a script that lends itself to the everyday human being is a testament to his writing. Tinashé is wildly average: he argues with his mother, struggles with money, and is simply trying to find his place in the world–the writing present in Tinashé reflects this sentiment and provides the majority of viewers something to appreciate about the character. That writing can only go so far, however, as the expression of what Terera creates ultimately rests on the shoulders of Sarka. He’s young and unassuming, but he portrays this character with great aplomb, and viewers are able to see pieces of themselves in him, through his struggles, as a result. Tinashé is described as being “lost,” and there are often times throughout Tinashé when the character seems emotionless–and this is a brilliant detail that Sarka brings to life remarkably well.
Light, or the absence of, acts opposite Sarka. Not quite like Raji Olana (Victor) or Trinna Talasaia (Zarah), but in a way that allows him to shine (no pun intended). The story is one that can be difficult to stomach–seeing a teenage boy wander the streets in search of himself and a place to call home, and the darkness that constantly hovers over the titular character deepens the tense situations in which Tinashé often finds himself. Tinashé is a meaningful story that I think slips between the cracks if it isn’t for the aforementioned darkness. The film is enticing–but the addition of darkness on Terera’s and the cinematography on Jesse Lane’s part adds depth and understanding to Tinashé.
Tinashé is full of life, but nothing is over the top, as it accurately represents the real world. The reality of being a teenager, trying to find your way in life, and simply looking for answers is expressed throughout Tinashé, and the truth behind just about everything being said resonates with viewers. There’s the issue of Tinashé feeling like the film is somehow promoting poor behavior and bad decisions, and this aspect of the film pulls the rest of the narrative down to a degree, but the flip side strengthens the narrative and provides some semblance of balance. I’m impressed by the balance that exists, but most impressed by Terera’s writing.
Written & Directed by Tig Terera.
Starring Negrassa Sarka, Raji Olana, Trinna Talasaia, Gemma, Juedd Mari, & Troy Twomey.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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