4 McNifikos, The (Los 4 McNifikos) — Tucker Dávila Wood, 2010
Erandio, a small enclave on the northern outskirts of Bilbao, awakens. 30 years ago, three young kids thrived on its harsh streets by advancing the popular B-Boy movement of the late 70s in New York City: Jon, Pedro and Xabier, or as they liked to be called, the 4 McNifikos.
This hilarious mockumentary about street dancers is perfect for Media, Dance and ML classes.
Classroom Activities
Print All- Critical
- Cultural
- Creative
- Clip Details
Critical
- Research the conventions of documentaries and explain how they appear in the film. Provide examples.
- The film can be described as a “mockumentary”. How do the filmmakers establish this comedic tone. Think about techniques used.
- How do the costumes reflect each character’s personality?
- How does the filmmaker establish a sense of time and setting?
- Describe the effect the soundtrack has on the film. Describe how the soundtrack changes and the effect this has.
Cultural
- The film is based in Bilbao, Spain research about teen culture. What do teenagers do to pass the time?
- Research how different cultures treat dance. Do dance moves change depending on culture?
- Research the B-Boy movement of the late 70s in New York City. Who were the main catalysts of the movement? How did it begin? Think about the origins and history of the movement.
- How much influence does the B-Boy movement have on society today? Think about New York City and globally.
Creative
WRITE
- Write an essay or report about a topic that not only inspires but you are passionate about. Give details about how it makes you feel and why you are so passionate about your chosen topic.
FILMMAKING
- Plan and make your own short documentary depicting teenage life where you live. What do you do to pass the time?
DRAW
- You have been commissioned to create a poster advertising the film. You are to give the audience an idea of what the film is about and to include images/information that will make them want to watch it.
PE/DANCE
- Using Los 4 McNifikos’ “dance moves” as an example – in your groups choreograph your own dance moves/routine. The more creative, the better. Feel free to use every day, mundane actions as inspiration such as their “wheel-barrow”.
MUSIC
- Using the film’s soundtrack, compose your own piece of music. This can be used to score your short documentary from the previous task or the backing track for your own choreographed dance routines.
Clip Details
| Year of Production | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Curriculum Areas | Expressive Arts, Literacy and English |
| Director | Tucker Dávila Wood |
| Country of Origin | Spain |
| Medium / Content | Live Action, Fiction, Colour, Sound, Subtitles |
| Themes | History / War, Culture / Society, Work / Ambition, Identity / Self, Intolerance / Misconceptions, Creative Expression |
| Clip Length | 05:48 |
| Clip Length | 05:48 |
| Age Group | S1-S3, S4-S6 |
