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African American Studies

And Still I Rise

Prominent black women comment on the history and experiences of the Afro-American slave woman in white European society. Includes interviews with Caron Wheeler (singer), Buchi Emecheta (novelist), Stella Dadzie (writer) along with many others. 1993. 30 min.

Rleated web sites: Women Make Movies catalog description

Full-text review from: ABC-CLIO Video Rating Guide for Libraries

Another America

Both the riots in Los Angeles and the murder of an uncle at his store in Detroit forced the filmmaker to start a personal investigation to examine the relationships between the Korean-American and Afro-American communities. Through his camera and many personal interviews, Cho reveals a rarely seen portrait of life in the inner city and takes a hard look at his own uncle's murder, telling how this crime affected not only his family, but the entire city. A film by by Michael Cho. 56 min.

Anthem and Affirmations: Two Short Films by Marlon T. Riggs

Anthem: "Marlon Riggs' experimental music video politicizes the homoeroticism of African-American men. With images--sensual, sexual and defiant--and words intended to provoke, Anthem reasserts the 'self-evident right' to life and liberty in an era of pervasive anti-gay, anti-Black backlash and hysterical cultural repression." Affirmations: "An exploration of Black gay male desires and dreams. Affirmations starts with an affectionate, humorous confessional and moves on to a wish for empowerment and incorporation." Anthem / Signifyin' Works (1991, 9 min.) -- Affirmations (1990, 10 min.)

Aoki.

Chronicles the life of Richard Aoki, a third-generation Japanese American who became one of the founding members of the Black Panther Party. Filmed over the last five years of Richard's life, this documentary features extensive footage with Richard and exclusive interviews with his comrades, friends, and former students. A film by Ben Wang & Mike Cheng. 94 min. 2009.

Are We Different?: Young African Americans Talk About Cultural Difference and Race in America.

Film gives voice to African-American students around the country as they articulate issues of race, racisim, and race relations. The discussion ranges from whether stylistic differences between whites and blacks are superficial or profound, and the causes and nature of anger and frustration in the black community. Students also question why "blackness" is suddenly so fashionable and talk about black culture with its special speech patterns and gestures and black sprituality and energy. 30 min.

Art of Darkness.

The slaves of the Caribbean contributed not only to the wealth of their masters, but also to the cultural heritage of the British Empire. Documented through letters, paintings and poetry, the eighteenth century is shown to be both an age of high culture and of cruelty. Film shows how the art of the period romanticized the servitude of the plantation blacks as they were depicted as precious, exotic ornaments, even as they were being brutalized in real life. Director, David Maloney. 52 min.

Art of Darkness.

The slaves of the Caribbean contributed not only to the wealth of their masters, but also to the cultural heritage of the British Empire. Documented through letters, paintings and poetry, the eighteenth century is shown to be both an age of high culture and of cruelty. Film shows how the art of the period romanticized the servitude of the plantation blacks as they were depicted as precious, exotic ornaments, even as they were being brutalized in real life. Director, David Maloney. 52 min.

As I Remember It: A Portrait of Dorothy West

This portrait of author West provides a fascinating glimpse into the African American middle class in the 20's and the New Negro Movement. Explores the forgotten role of women in the Harlem Renaissance. Directed by Salem Mekuria. c1991. 56 min.

Related web sites: Women Make Movies catalog description

At the River I Stand.

Documentary of two 1968 events in the civil rights movement-- the sanitation workers strike in Memphis, Tennessee and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Shows how the black community, local civil rights leaders, and AFSCME mobilized behind the strikers in mass demonstrations and a boycott of downtown businesses. Directors, David Appleby, Allison Graham, Steven John Ross. 59 min. CINE Film & Video Awards 1994 (Golden Eagle)
Full-text review from:ABC-CLIO Video Rating Guide for Libraries

Badass Supermama

A playful, but questioning personal exploration of beauty as perceived by a black women, looking at race, gender, sexuality, body image and representation. These inter-connected issues are examined through 1970's "blaxploitation" movie goddess Pam Grier and her characters, with clips from her films Foxy Brown and Sheba, baby. A video by Etang Inyang, 1996. 16 min.

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