In the breathtaking short film “The Water Will Carry Us Home”, we are met with the history of Africans who were brutally thrown off a slavr ship while sailing through the Middle Passage. In the film, their souls are saved by a passing mermaid; not only were the adults saved, but the unborn children they carried.

This story was absolutely amazing! Stop motion has got to be my favorite kind of filming, next to claymations. I thought the most fascinating part of the film was around 4:15, where the mermaid came into contact with the Africans who were pushed into the waters. The idea that the mermaid was able to save their souls and essentially turn them into mermaids was my favorite part. To see mermaids as this kind of “water savior” is something that really catches my interest. Especially because of what we have talked about in class with Sirens and sometimes mermaids being seen as monstrous creatures. Taking on the tale of mermaids saving lost humans and saving their souls to be one with the waters is awesome.

This short film helps further the idea that water tells a story; it’s something that encapsulates all of its own history. The mermaid in this story gave the lost people a sense of purpose and another chance at life. Almost like the water was their escape, it gave them a newfound freedom, as well as a place where they could feel they belonged. I also love that this film more accurately portrays mermaids than how we are conditioned to seeing them. This film really embodied the black history of mermaids and the tale behind the life of water. Can’t wait to talk about this in class!!

Song of the Week: Lure of the Siren by Mo Coulson, Chris Conway (This song is exactly what you’d expect, except I like the fact that it isn’t eerie, but it’s enticing in a non-threatening way if that makes sense)