Become Your Dream – James De La Vega

This experimental documentary by Cortlan McManus, shot over a year’s time, examines both the art of New York’s most famous urban artist as well as presents
the ethics of documentary. De La Vega is known as a sidewalk provocateur, a
mural master and a Cornell educated painter. Born in Spanish Harlem, De La Vega
is personally familiar with living the life in the urban jungle: poverty, AIDS,
and violence mixed with a side of ingenious wit, good natured humor and a
propensity to produce massive amounts of work.

“Become Your Dream: James De La
Vega” also examines and reflects on the ethics that rule all documentaries:
who’s economic gain; political representation of self and the other; and most
importantly, the differences in vision that can result between subject and
object. Captured and presented for the first time so that a broader conversation
can begin about the ethics of documentary.

(Note: I make a cameo appearance around 6:18 minutes in and later on you can hear part of my interview with him)


Become Your Dream – James De La Vega from Cortlan McManus on Vimeo.

Spread the love

More Articles for You

What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About Death, Technology, and Social Change

In a world where technology seems to dominate every facet of our lives, there’s something profoundly humbling about turning back …

Spread the love

Beyond Bread: Bakers in the Family, Pan de Agua and Casabe

I can picture us. Two, little rail-thin girls with long braided hair down our backs, holding hands as we walked …

Spread the love

How to Pull Back the Curtain: Heroes, Flaws, Boundaries and Creativity

I think a lot about exposure. I guess it comes with the territory of being a writer, and a communications …

Spread the love

Curating Caribbean Heritage: A List of Must-Read Books

This is how I honor and celebrate the diversity and richness of the islands and their cultural diasporas, reflecting on …

Spread the love

On Growing up in East Harlem: Italian (Barese) and Puerto Rican Heritage

I was thrilled to chat with podcaster, and fellow author and family historian Bob Sorrentino earlier this month. During our …

Spread the love

Food Culture: The Best Podcast for “Top Chef” Fans

The food we eat, how we eat and prepare it is so intricately tied to our culture, our heritage and …

Spread the love