Film Review: Can I Be Honest

Aziah Lusala’s Can I Be Honest is more than just a documentary, it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. At its core, this film is about the art of perseverance, resilience, and redemption. Aziah’s journey from the depths of incarceration to becoming a beacon of hope for others is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With every setback he faced, including returning to jail even after his triumphant art shows, Aziah refused to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he used them as fuel for his transformation.

The documentary begins with a poignant moment between Aziah and his daughter, who asks him, “What do you think about when you’re at home?” His response—“I think about you, I think about money, and I think about painting”—immediately grounds the story in themes of love, responsibility, and the drive to create. It’s clear from the outset that Aziah’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his desire to provide a better future for his child.

Even in the face of adversity, Aziah found ways to reinvent himself. While in prison, he navigated operations for his art organization and hired a dedicated team to ensure its success. Events like “Art in the Park”, which he coordinated from behind bars, are a testament to his determination. This level of resilience is simply extraordinary. One particularly moving moment comes when Aziah reflects on missing his daughter, saying, “Sometimes I don’t want to call her because I don’t want her to remember I’m not there.” These intimate insights reveal a man who is not only surviving but striving to rebuild his life for the ones he loves.

The story itself unfolds with a raw and unfiltered lens, chronicling Aziah's journey from a young boy discovering his passion for art to a man grappling with the consequences of his environment. From the moment he sold his first painting at the age of 15, it was clear that Aziah possessed a rare talent, yet he also recognized the limitations imposed by his surroundings. This realization fueled his drive to empower others, as seen in his efforts to collect and frame artworks for group shows, often while managing operations from prison.

One of the film’s most captivating sequences showcases the Noho Studios exhibition, where attendees marveled at the artwork without realizing that Aziah had orchestrated the entire event from behind bars. These scenes not only highlight his creativity and organizational skills but also underscore the challenges he overcame to make his vision a reality.

Aziah’s story is proof that it’s not about how many times you fall but how many times you rise and rebuild. His decision to keep moving forward, despite the stigma and setbacks, is inspiring. Aziah’s anonymity adds another layer to his societal impact. Initially driven by fear of judgment, his decision to let the art speak for itself challenges stereotypes and forces audiences to engage with the work on its merits. Yet, when he finally steps into the light at his solo show, it’s a triumphant moment that underscores the importance of visibility and representation. By the time the film reaches the moment of his debut solo show, where he finally reveals his face to the world, the audience feels the full weight of his journey. This documentary leaves its audience deeply moved, inspired, and ready to embrace their own challenges with renewed courage.