"When I see these dolls they are like a symbol of hope"
- Annie Lennox
In Bigger than Barbie we follow the women behind the beading project, Monkeybiz and their fight to overcome poverty and HIV/AIDS through contemporary art. We also join the dolls on a fascinating journey from the township Khayelitsha to Donna Karan’s high fashion store on Madison Avenue. From the fashion world of New York, the dolls travel to participate at the 46664 Mandela concert for HIV/Aids in Norway on their quest to become Bigger than Barbie.
When Tina Davis first saw the colourful and quirky Monkeybiz dolls in a friends’ house five years ago, she fell in love immediately. Back then she didn’t know anything about who made the dolls or where they came from. A few months later she came across the dolls in a shop. It was only then that she learnt about the non-profit organisation, Monkeybiz and their amazing work combining arts and empowerment for women from the poorest townships in Cape Town, South Africa.
After her first visit to Cape Town in late 2002, she was convinced that the fascinating story of Monkeybiz and their invaluable work could be made into an uplifting and heartfelt documentary.
Aven Romale: 'Come On Gipsies' - that's the name of our song at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, which takes place in Moscow. Come on board! Come on Gipsies!
Miss T! How I love you. Thank you so much for your messages - I've been super busy lately but will find a space to chat before too much more time passes. How funny you sent me the Shaun Tann link.. he is my favourite illustrator ever and I have all his books. Magical stuff. Hope you are doing well; I am really looking forward to discussing 2009 plans with you xx speak soon xx love, Z
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Hi Bigger than Barbie, how're u doing? hope you're okay. Thanks a lot for the add. We're glad to be connecting with you. Keep up[ the wondeful work. Let's stay in touch. One love,peace & happiness.
Hey Hey Hey! Parisian cab drivers giving swearing lessons? hahaha! Hilarious! I'd like to sit in on one of those animated sessions! Definitely hook your friend up with my info. I love meeting friends of the naked ballerina! As for me, I've just been busy busy busy. Shooting a lot of random freelance stuff. I got to meet Al Gore last month. That was cool. I'll tell you all about it in an email.
Hey Tina, nice to hear from you. Wow looking forward to seeing you again. Is Gunhild coming with you or not? Please pass my regards if you see her again. Pity it's so cold there now hey. But you are always welcome in warm Cape Town. Best regards, China.
Lots of love from me to you x x Hope you're OK. It's always this time of year that reminds me of beautiful Shishes, David Mead concerts, Dumbbbb and Dumbbbbber bars and talking until the sun comes up (then going to bed with a bad headache). I miss those things but I miss you more x x
