Many studies focus on film in Africa. Few, however, study cinema as a leisure activity: one that has influenced several generations and opened up spaces to dream, discuss or contest. Movie theatres offered a break from the daily routine, as places of escape and of education. Cinema was also potentially subversive, offering an alternative to colonial discourse. Tropical Dream Palaces seeks to trace this history in a West African context: of broadening horizons on the one hand, and of censorship and control on the other. It fills a historiographic void, following cinema's arrival in the region in the early twentieth century up until the Independence era, and also looking further afield to Central Africa and its different models. Goerg addresses questions of film distribution in colonial times; of screening venues, their implantation, spread and different categories; while also focusing on audiences, their gender or age; the acquisition of a film culture; and the impact of screening foreign images. Her book draws on extremely varied sources to paint a broad picture of this cinematographic landscape: archives, the accounts of African and European spectators or administrators, novels, autobiographies, the local press, interviews and iconography.
Reviewers say: "Spellbinding..." "Well written and very informative..." "Would recommend to all ..." "Written with skill and accuracy..." "Truly amazing ..." A group of friends escaping the cold Michigan winter for a vacation charter a boat for a warm weather cruise to the Florida Keys, a week of friendship and nautical fun. The three couples enjoy Mother Nature's abundance and one another's company until they cross paths with a couple of the sunshine states' more shady characters and their tropical dream turns into a nautical nightmare.
With over 350 beautiful photographs and insightful commentary, Island Style reveals the lush, tropical architecture and interior design of Indonesia. A tropical island inspires thoughts of warm breezes, crystal clear water and white beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. But tropical islands are more than just gorgeous beaches, particularly in the vast archipelago of Indonesia, with its diverse peoples, cultures and traditions stretching from Java to Bali and beyond. In Island Style, the inspiration artists and designers have long found in Indonesia comes to life with a new generation of architects and designers as they discover this island paradise. Twenty-five stunning luxury homes inspired by the natural tropical settings of Indonesia are showcased in these pages, setting a new standard for tropical Asian architecture. From private beach bungalows to vacation villas to island hideaways, each of these dream houses expresses a different aspect of Indonesia's unique design heritage. Simple yet exotic, minimalist yet organic, cosmopolitan yet local and sustainable--the common denominator for all of these homes is that they are the stuff of island dreams. Be inspired by these tropical homes as the ultimate in outdoor living and sustainable architecture, fantastically decorated with modern Asian decor. Detailed descriptions of the materials used and design philosophy behind each house means you'll be able to find plenty of practical ideas for furnishing and building your own tropical island dream home anywhere in the world.
This tropical design book showcases the innovative interior designs and architecture of The Philippines most luxurious homes. Start with a warm tropical climate. Add an abundance of exotic natural building material. And then let the cross currents of Asian design and aesthetics create a rich architectural alchemy of it's own. The result? The exquisite homes of the Philippines, a perfect balance of form and functionality, beautifully portrayed in Tropical Living. This Filipino design book presents over 30 of the latest homes in the archipelago: from a classic old-world penthouse in the art-deco Malate area to the creative homes of artists of Antipolo: from Asian-fusion villas on Batangas Bay to the elite Philippine Mediterranean manors of Forbes park, the book covers Filipino taste in all of its manifestations. With over 400 fabulous full-color photographs and texts from some of the country's leading architects and authors, there is also an inspirational sourcebook of contemporary tropical furnishings. It is a book of ideas to dip into, and savor.
Daniel has escaped Nazi Germany with nothing but a desperate dream that he might one day find his parents again. But that golden land called New York has turned away his ship full of refugees, and Daniel finds himself in Cuba. As the tropical island begins to work its magic on him, the young refugee befriends a local girl with some painful secrets of her own. Yet even in Cuba, the Nazi darkness is never far away . . .
This original and fresh book explores Okinawa's makeover as a tourist mecca in the long historical shadow and among the physical ruins of the Pacific War's most devastating land battle. Gerald Figal considers how a place burdened by a history of semicolonialism, memories of war and occupation, economic hardship, and contentious current political affairs has reshaped itself into a resort destination. Drawing on an innovative mix of detailed archival research and extensive fieldwork, Gerald Figal considers the ways Okinawa has accommodated war experience and its legacies within the manufacture and promotion of both a "tropical paradise" image and a heritage tourism site identified with the premodern Ryukyu Kingdom. Tracing the postwar formation of "Tourist Okinawa," Figal addresses interrelated issues of economic sustainability, local political autonomy, interregional and international relations, environmental preservation, historical and cultural self-representation, and especially Okinawa's role as a global peace site laboring under the legacies of war. From the end of World War Two to the present, the author follows Okinawa's evolution through three main themes: war memorialization, tourism-influenced environmental and historical restoration, and invasion and occupation represented by U.S. military bases and beach resorts. Creatively, accessibly, and eloquently written, this compelling work highlights a set of islands that represent key issues facing contemporary Japan.
Tropical Style showcases thirty-five contemporary Malaysian homes and resorts that feature the use of indigenous cultural forms and cross-cultural influences in new and exciting ways. The elegant and often breathtaking houses, apartments and resorts presented here evoke the essence of the modern tropical architecture, Malaysian style—a combination of indigenous cultural forms, organic building materials, exquisite local craftsmanship and adaptations to the sun-drenched tropical climate. Echoing trends in green architecture, Malaysian homes historically evolved to integrate environmental factors into traditional building techniques and designs that are harmonious with outdoor living. All the spaces included here have been selected for their stunning design, originality of concept and innovative fusion of age-old architectural patterns with a modern aesthetic sense. Minimalist homes in Kuala Lumpur, contemporary courtyard homes, wooden houses in lush garden settings, idyllic beach resorts and luxury homes modeled on traditional Chinese and Malay houses full of Asian decor are illuminated in this book celebrating the fascinating multicultural eclecticism of modern-day Malaysia. With over 350 stunning color photographs, Tropical Style: Contemporary Dream Houses in Malaysia will delight and inspire those who wish to apply these ideas to their own tropical homes, in any global setting.