Tag: Sri Lankan Tamils

This patchwork documentary doesn’t always keep its bearings, but overall it’s a fascinating overview of the complicated life of musician M.I.A. Rating: 3 stars out of 4. Movie review What happens when a woman of two worlds tries to be taken seriously as both artist and mission-driven advocate? For U.K.-born-and-raised musician Matangi “Maya” Arulpragasam — better known as rapper M.I.A., 43, of Sri Lankan Tamil descent — the answer is mixed success at best. The unusual but revealing documentary “Matangi / Maya / M.I.A.,” a hodgepodge of old video diaries, music videos, performances and interviews spanning decades, reflects M.I.A.’s passionate efforts to enlighten fans about victims of government oppression — while also getting people around the world dancing to her music. Explaining that before her recording career started in 2002, she wanted to be a documentary maker, we see how M.I.A. Loveridge doesn’t dwell on her many honors (Grammy and Oscar nominations; Time magazine’s Influential People list). seems comfortable with success, she makes far less headway being taken seriously as champion of a cause. During an interview on his HBO program, “Real Time,” Bill Maher patronizes her by skirting issues and joking about her accent. _____ ??? “Matangi / Maya / M.I.A,” a documentary directed by Steve Loveridge.