From Colonialism to Democracy: Congolese Voices Across Time

This three-film collection offers a powerful introduction to the history, resilience, and democratic aspirations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Through the legacy of Belgian colonialism, the humanitarian work of Dr. Denis Mukwege, and the courage of young pro-democracy activists, these films trace Congo's journey from colonial oppression and historical injustice to contemporary struggles for human rights, justice, and self-determination. Ideal for courses in African Studies, History, Political Science, Human Rights, and Postcolonial Studies.

The collection includes:
• Boma-Tervuren, The Journey
• The Man Who Mends Women
• Kinshasa Makambo

Purchase gives streaming access (PPR) to all three films.

This three-film collection offers a focused entry point into the realities of African immigration and integration in contemporary Eastern and Western Europe. These award-winning narratives explore migration, work, identity, and citizenship, and how African immigrants navigate belonging, cultural adaptation, and survival across different European societies, particularly in Hungary, Serbia, and France.

• As Far as I Can Walk follows Siisi and Ababuo, a Ghanaian couple living as refugees in Belgrade after leaving Ghana in search of a better life in Europe. As Siisi struggles to integrate into Serbian society while searching for his missing wife, the film raises questions about integration, identity, migration, and belonging in contemporary Europe.
  
  
• Tazzeka centers on Elias, a young Moroccan man inspired to leave his village for Paris after meeting a French chef and a young woman named Salma. In France, Elias confronts the realities of undocumented life, unstable work, and cultural adaptation while trying to preserve his passion for cooking and connection to home.
  
  
• The Citizen tells the story of Wilson, a refugee from Guinea-Bissau living in Budapest, attempting to obtain Hungarian citizenship. Through his relationships, work, and encounters with bureaucracy and prejudice, the film examines the emotional and political complexities of integration, citizenship, and acceptance in modern Europe. 

Together, these films provide a clear and accessible framework for understanding the challenges and human realities shaping African immigration and integration in Europe today. Ideal for classroom use, the collection supports discussion on migration, race, citizenship, labor, identity, belonging, and contemporary European society.

The collection includes:
• As Far as I Can Walk 
• Tazzeka
• The Citizen

Purchase gives streaming access (PPR) to all three films.

This three-film collection offers a focused entry point into the history of rebellion and identity formation in the Caribbean. Through historical narrative, political thought, and cultural memory, it examines how anti-colonial struggles have shaped resistance, consciousness, and self-definition across the region.

• Catch a Fire revisits the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion in Jamaica through the life of Paul Bogle, grounding the collection in one of the Caribbean’s most significant uprisings against colonial rule.
• Maluala, directed by Sergio Giral—one of the most important Afro-Cuban filmmakers—takes place in 19th-century Cuba within a palenque, a maroon settlement formed by formerly enslaved Africans who escaped into the mountains. As Spanish colonial forces attempt to divide its leaders, the film traces the tension between survival, unity, and rebellion, reflecting the broader struggle of cimarrones fighting for land, autonomy, and freedom.
• Walter Rodney: What They Don’t Want You to Know centers on the Guyanese historian and activist, whose work on colonialism, underdevelopment, and Black liberation continues to shape political thought today.

Together, these films provide a clear and accessible framework for understanding how histories of resistance were formed—and how they continue to inform contemporary questions of power, identity, and belonging. Ideal for classroom use, the collection supports discussion on colonial legacies, political movements, and the role of culture in shaping historical understanding.

The collection includes:
• Catch a Fire
• Maluala
• Walter Rodney: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Purchase gives streaming access (PPR) to all three films.

On the Traces of Cruel City (Sur les traces de Ville Cruelle)

THE LAST MEAL

The Last Meal: Where the flavors of Haiti bridge a lifetime of silence.

After twenty years of silence, a dying Reynold asks his estranged daughter, Vanessa, to share his final meals. As she prepares the traditional Haitian dishes of his youth, the familiar flavors unlock painful, buried memories of his life and suffering under the Duvalier dictatorship.

Set against this backdrop of the Duvalier era, The Last Meal is a poignant tale of reconciliation, exploring the power of food, cultural memory, and confronting the past to heal fractured family bonds within the Haitian experience. A beautifully crafted film about legacy, healing, and the stories we carry in our bodies and kitchens.

Canada, 2024, 111 mins, Drama in English, Maryse Legagneur, dir. 

“In this film, humanity, dignity, and beauty stand in opposition to the worst atrocities.”
— Manon Dumais, La Presse

Awards and recognition
• Grand Prix — Quebec City Film Festival
• Marimbas Award (Top Jury Prize) — Miami Film Festival
• Best Narrative Feature — Montreal International Black Film Festival
• Best First Feature — Kingston Canadian Film Festival

Finding Odera

Finding Odera is a heartwarming, transcultural drama exploring themes of love, loss, and the global search for self. The film follows Olisa Obi, a devoted Nigerian man who leaves the vibrant, culturally rich world of Lagos—a city whose markets and streets reflect his dynamic spirit—for the sprawling, multicultural metropolis of Toronto, Canada, in search of his long-lost love, Odera.

What begins as a focused quest for romance quickly evolves into an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Olisa’s search is aided by Aria McDonald, a Canadian filmmaker whose collaboration helps him navigate the challenges of a new continent.

This partnership deepens the film’s compelling study of modern migration and the complexities of the Nigerian diaspora. The environment itself acts as a central character, with the diverse neighborhoods of Toronto mirroring Olisa’s evolving emotional state.

 Ultimately, his transformation leads him to discover his deepest desire in the unlikeliest of places, challenging traditional expectations of success and connection.

Nigeria/Canada, 2023, 92 mins, romantic drama in English, Charles Uwagbai, dir.

"It explores themes of love, cultural identity and human connection." —
Charlot Daysh (Actress, Geek Girl Authority Interview)

"I particularly liked the Lead actor's performance, so believable, I totally connected." —
Nika Belina (Film Director)

This special 2-DVD set brings together two powerful films that shed light on Afro-Latino experiences in Latin America and the Caribbean — from a vibrant urban coming-of-age story in Colombia to a searing documentary about Haitian sugarcane workers in the Dominican Republic.

SUGAR CANE MALICE

A hard-hitting documentary that exposes the harsh, semi-slavery conditions endured by Haitian workers on sugar plantations in the Dominican Republic. With striking visuals and intimate storytelling, the film lays bare the human cost of exploitation while highlighting resilience in the Caribbean. Directed by Juan A. Zapata, Dominican Republic/Spain, 2021, 76min, Documentary, Spanish w/English subtitles

LA PLAYA D.C.

Tomas, a young black boy driven from Colombia’s Pacific coast by the war, tries to get by in Bogota, a city of exclusion and racism. Looking for Jairo, his younger brother and closest friend lost in the streets, Tomas sets out on an initiatory journey that will test his courage, nostalgia and the wounds of the past.  Directed by Juan Andres Arango, 2013, Colombia, Drama, 90 min, Spanish, English subt

Rhythm of Dammam

Rhythm of Dammam is the first narrative feature film to explore the distinct cultural identity and historical struggles of the Siddi community in India—descendants of Bantu peoples brought to the subcontinent centuries ago as captives.

The film centers on twelve-year-old Jayaram Siddi, who becomes haunted by his late grandfather’s spirit, pushing his family toward ancestral rituals and the spiritual energy of Dammam music for guidance. The filmmaking itself is notable for its sensitive, immersive quality, carefully avoiding exoticization while establishing a visually rich, rhythmically structured world that elevates the music from mere backdrop to a core cinematic and spiritual force.

The director, an award-winning filmmaker with a deep familiarity with the community, expertly frames the haunting not just as an individual crisis, but as a metaphor for the burden of intergenerational trauma and the communal quest for healing.

As a work that bridges spiritual fiction with documentary realism, Rhythm of Dammam offers rare insight into the African diasporic presence in South Asia, celebrating the Siddi people’s unique devotional music as both a source of identity and a path toward profound spiritual restoration.

USA/India, 2024, 92 mins, drama in Kannada, Urdu (with English subtitles), Jayan Cherian, dir. 

About director Jayan Cherian

Jayan Cherian is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker and poet known for his socially and politically committed work. A graduate of Hunter College and The City College of New York, his cinematic focus consistently addresses the complexities of marginalization and post-colonial identity. His previous features, which include the award-winning Papilio Buddha (2013) and Ka Bodyscapes (2016), have screened at prestigious events such as the Berlin International Film Festival. Cherian's films often blend fiction with ethnographic realism, cementing his reputation for creating formally ambitious works that challenge cinematic and social conventions.

"Jayan Cherian's film blends realism with surrealism to produce a strikingly vivid image of the Siddi community's intergenerational trauma." ~ The News Minute

“A mesmeric journey through the Siddis’ past and present.” ~ Swaroop Kodur, The News Minute

“An exceptionally evocative, visually arresting film … Hitting all the right notes.” ~ Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV 

“A beautiful attempt in surreal documentation of a marginalized community.”~ Amartya Acharya, High On Films 

BRIDES

Brides, Nadia Fall's compelling debut feature, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, offers a powerful and empathetic look into the lives of two alienated teenage girls, Doe and Muna, who leave the UK for Syria in search of purpose and belonging. The film highlights their profound sense of cultural rejection, stemming from experiences like racist bullying and overt societal hostility, encapsulated in Muna's poignant question, "Who's gonna give a sh*t about two brown girls?".

Their journey is heavily influenced by deceptive online narratives and the false promises of extremist groups, illustrating how propaganda can slowly erode personal identity.

Inspired by real-life accounts, Brides humanizes these complex stories, challenging sensationalized media portrayals and fostering critical discussion on youth vulnerability, societal alienation, and the insidious impact of digital influence.

UK, 2025, 93 mins, Drama in English, Nadia Fall, dir. 

"Bad decisions — the kind that can be, if not reversed, at least remedied — are an essential part of adolescence: lapses that teach us about our desires, our impulses, our weaknesses, our essential character, and leave us with no greater damage than a throbbing hangover or a small, smudgy tattoo. Doe and Muna, the British 15-year-olds at the center of “Brides,” either haven’t been given much slack to make the right kind of wrong choices, or haven’t permitted themselves that liberty — so when they do err, it’s in seismically reckless, potentially ruinous fashion.." ~ Guy Lodge, Variety

Selling a Colonial War

In the Netherlands, colonial history is slowly but surely being rewritten. It has long been clear that what the Dutch government at the time described as “police actions”—the deployment of the army in response to Indonesia’s declaration of independence in 1945—was in fact an unlawful war. Nonetheless, the use of the term “war crimes” is still sensitive.

This documentary reveals how far the Dutch rulers went in selling the war as a domestic affair, intended to restore peace among the population. Unique, often shocking images tell a different story. Filmmaker In-Soo Radstake holds extensive interviews with international experts who explain the complex relationships in the former colony and set out the global context.

Netherlands/Indonasia, 2024, 105 mins, Documentary in English, Indonesian, Dutch (English subtitles), In-soo Radstake, dir. 

"Selling a Colonial War looks to encourage the Dutch government and society to accept responsibility for their actions as a colonial power in Indonesia – and especially their actions when fighting a war in Indonesia after the country declared independence in 1945. The Dutch government still refrains from using the term “war crimes” to describe their actions as this would have great impact on calls for reparation." ~ Leo Barraclough, Variety

Village Keeper (TIFF 2024)

A Canadian Screen Award winner (including Best First Feature, 2025), Village Keeper is a powerful testament to the strength of Black motherhood and a stirring love letter to the Black women who serve as the bedrock of their communities. Jean, a widow haunted by grief and determined to protect her children, finds herself at a breaking point. When a therapist gently asks, “How will you help your children without having helped yourself first?” she begins a path toward healing. The latest jewel of Black Canadian cinema, Village Keeper is a beautifully crafted, sensitive, and unforgettable story of resilience, sacrifice, and emotional truth.

From the islands to the city, Village Keeper celebrates a mother’s unbreakable spirit, a family’s enduring love, and Black healing. 

Canada, 2024, 82 mins, drama in English, Karen Chapman, dir. 

“Village Keeper is a film that goes beyond trauma into the story of recovery and connection to joy, setting a new standard in storytelling. Writer-director Karen Chapman has taken a well-worn single mother story to a new level of relevance that is, in a word, outstanding." ~ Jeanine T. Abraham, Medium.com 

“Karen Chapman’s tender and empathetic Village Keeper... her love for the people in front of her camera evident in every frame.”
— Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com

“A heartfelt portrait of a family in Toronto’s underprivileged Thorncliff community deals with generational trauma and the insidiousness of grief.”
— Collider

“Village Keeper isn’t a film about Black trauma; it’s a celebration of and journey towards Black healing.”
— Kevin Bourne, SHIFTER Magazine 

“What happens when the caretaker needs the most care? Village Keeper was one of our highlights... and it did not disappoint.”
— Stacey Yvonne, Black Girl Nerds

“Chapman’s ability to balance the delicate tightrope of emotions the film walks is aided by the sensational performance by Olunike Adeliyi.”
— Courtney Small, Cinema Axis

UPCOMING SCREENINGS

Sugar Island

Set amidst the sugarcane fields of the Dominican Republic, Sugar Island follows Makenya, a young Dominican-Haitian woman facing an unwanted pregnancy while navigating a legacy of colonial violence, racial discrimination, and labor exploitation.

Through Makenya’s eyes, the film unfolds a complex story about the intersections of ethnicity, gender, immigration, and class—echoing the lived experiences of many in the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. Gómez Terrero’s unique "kaleidoscopic aesthetic"—which blends documentary realism, spiritual symbolism, and theatricality—elevates this coming-of-age drama into a visually rich, emotionally layered exploration of identity and resistance.

Spain/Dominican Republic, 2024, 91 mins, drama in Haitian and Spanish (with English subtitles), Johanne Gomez Terrero, dir. 

“Johanné Gómez Terrero blends tradition and spirituality, the literal and the allegorical, in a beautifully made and deeply touching fiction feature debut. The themes of labour rights, protests against the mechanisation of the sugar industry, and decolonial thought make Sugar Island a syncretic, politically engaged work that avoids all traces of didacticism. On the contrary, the film’s gorgeous look, thanks to lensing by Alván Prado, alludes to the many layers of reality and beyond" ~ Savina Petkova, Cineuropa

CARIBBEAN LEADERS

This two-DVD set features two documentaries exploring the life stories and political impact of two significant figures in Caribbean history:   "Walter Rodney: What They Don't Want You To Know" and  "Barrow, Freedom Fighter".

Walter Rodney: What They Don't Want You To Know

“Walter Rodney” is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and legacy of Dr. Walter Rodney, a prominent historian, activist, and champion for civil rights. Through a series of enlightening interviews and footage captured across Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Tanzania, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the film presents a comprehensive portrait of a man who dedicated his life to fostering unity in the face of adversity. Rodney’s ideals and struggles continue to resonate with contemporary global movements for social justice and equality.

Directed by Arlen Harris and Daniyal Harris-Vajda, UK, 2023, 72min, Documentary in English. Special thanks to The Walter Rodney Foundation and the Ameena Gafoor Institute.

Barrow: Freedom Fighter

“Barrow: Freedom Fighter,” narrated by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, chronicles Barbados’ transition from a British colony to an independent nation. The docudrama highlights Errol Walton Barrow’s leadership during this pivotal period and explores the socio-political climate of mid-20th century global decolonization.

Directed by Marcia Weeks, Barbados, 2016, Documentary in English, 74 min

AMAL

DANCING THE TWIST IN BAMAKO 

DANCING THE TWIST IN BAMAKO is a romance fraught with the drama of political change and infused with the musical energy of the 60s in Mali, only recently independent from French colonial rule. Samba, a young, idealistic socialist, works toward creating a more just nation by day and dances with girlfriend Lara to the Beach Boys, Otis Redding, and the Supremes by night.

by Robert Guédiguian, France / Canada / Senegal, 2021, 129min, Romantic Drama, French with English subtitles.

THE MALI CUBA CONNECTION

In the midst of the Cold War, ten young promising musicians from Mali are sent to Cuba to study music and strengthen cultural links between the two socialist countries. Combining Malian and Afro-Cuban influences, they develop a revolutionary new sound and become the iconic ensemble ‘Las Maravillas de Mali’. 

By Edouard Salier and Richard Minier, France/Cuba/Mali, 2020, 81 mins, Documentary, Spanish, French with English subtitles.

The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi

“The Wall Street Boy / Kipkemboi" tells the story of a young math genius from rural Kenya who uses his understanding of patterns in nature to develop a successful stock market algorithm. His remarkable success from a makeshift setup in his village draws attention from international financiers and local authorities, forcing him and his girlfriend Chepchirchir to flee.

This fictional film explores themes of innovation, resourcefulness, and the clash between tradition and modernity. It serves as a valuable educational resource, prompting discussions on financial literacy, ethics in global finance, and the socio-economic dynamics of contemporary Africa.

Kenya/Canada, 2024, 90 mins, drama in English, Charles Uwagbai, dir. 

“The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi has a strong socially conscious subtext as the village youth becomes a political prisoner. If redistribution of wealth to the least of these among us is a socialist principle, suffice it to say that “Kipkemboi” cleverly achieves this – but through exploiting the capitalist system. The film also is very positive about the role of women as strong equals. Not only is Kipkemboi’s mother supportive, but Chipchirchir is no mere cheerleader. She does more than inspire Kipkemboi; she drives their getaway vehicle and this village lass has dreams of her own, aspiring to become an attorney. Watching the romance of the appealing leads blossom is also beguiling." ~ Ed Rampell, The Progressive Populist

SCREENINGS:

Breaking Boundaries is a captivating feature-length documentary that chronicles the journey of Nastasya Generalova, a determined Californian teenager and daughter of an African-American father, raised by her single mother, Olga.

Introduced to rhythmic gymnastics at the age of four to connect with her mother’s Russian heritage, Nastasya embarks on a path filled with emotional and physical challenges. Her dream of competing in the 2020 Olympic Games drives her to overcome systemic biases and limited resources.

The film highlights her resilience, ambition, and the unwavering support of her mother, transforming into the inspirational story of a young athlete breaking boundaries in a demanding sport. With suspense building as we root for her, this poignant story offers a unique perspective on the personal struggles and triumphs involved in pursuing one's dreams against all odds.

Nastasya Generalova was an ambassador for She’s the First. 

Directed by Dina Burlis, 2024, 76 mins, USA, Documentary, English and Russian with English subtitles.

FESTIVAL SCREENINGS

Mother Suriname – Mama Sranan is a deep and evocative portrayal of Suriname's history and the personal story it weaves. Its effectiveness in bringing Surinamese history to life, makes it a significant contribution to understanding the country's cultural and historical landscape.

A woman looks back on her life, through narration and song. In Mother Suriname – Mama Sranan, filmmaker Tessa Leuwsha uses a stream of fascinating colorized archival footage to illustrate the lives of Surinamese women like her grandmother, who was a washerwoman.

She’s born in a hamlet in 1905 to a white mother and a black father—a disgrace. Her father is forced to leave and her mother also disappears. She’s despised as a half-caste, does not go to school and soon becomes aware of the state of colonial relations (“we work and they watch”). She has a child whose father is always elsewhere, working for the Dutch. Determined to make the most of her life, she moves to Paramaribo, where she has three more children she raises on her own.

Meanwhile, she sees her homeland moving towards more self-esteem. Before Suriname’s independence in 1975 however, all her children move to the Netherlands—and she eventually follows them, with sorrow in her heart: “In Holland, paradise is like a shadow, just in front of you or behind you, never with you.” Still, strong-willed as she is, she finds a place where she connects with her homeland, her spiritual roots and herself.

"Not only a biography but also a portrait of a colony on the road to independence." ~ Pauline Kleijer for De Volkskrant 

"A breathtaking journey through the history of Suriname." ~ Guus Schulting for De Filmkrant

Directed by Tessa Leuwsha, 2023, 71 minutes, Documentary, Netherlands, Dutch (with English subtitles) or in English

Walter Rodney: What They Don't Want You To Know

An original circa 72-minute documentary featuring a murder, Cold War conspiracies, Black Power, the end of the British Empire, and how that connects to the policing and surveillance practices of today. It feeds a growing appetite for history from a different perspective, as we grapple with the legacy of colonialism, and its impact on the modern world.

"Walter Rodney" is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and legacy of Dr. Walter Rodney, a prominent historian, activist, and champion for civil rights. Through a series of enlightening interviews and footage captured across Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Tanzania, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the film presents a comprehensive portrait of a man who dedicated his life to fostering unity in the face of adversity. Rodney's ideals and struggles continue to resonate with contemporary global movements for social justice and equality.

In 1980, Walter Rodney's life was tragically cut short in Guyana, South America, as a result of actions taken by the oppressive government of Forbes Burnham, which was supported by the CIA and MI5. Four decades after his untimely death, the Guyanese government has finally acknowledged the state's involvement in his assassination, shedding light on a dark chapter in the nation's history.

This is the first film where Walter’s widow reveals the personal impact on the family of Walter’s assassination. Contributors include Angela Davis, Gina Miller, former President of Guyana Donald Ramotar, Edward and Donald Rodney, and Walter’s wife Patricia Rodney, as well as prominent historians.

The film premiered at the British Film Institute's largest screen to a sell-out audience of 450, the BFI is Britain’s most prestigious film organization. 

Directed by Arlen Harris and Daniyal Harris-Vajda, UK, 2023, 72min, Documentary in English. Special thanks to The Walter Rodney Foundation and the Ameena Gafoor Institute.

POWER ALLEY / LEVANTE

The compelling Brazilian drama - 2023 Cannes Film Festival Semaine de la Critique selection - Power Alley (Levante) by Lillah Halla is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by young women in contemporary Brazil, particularly around issues of reproductive rights and gender identity.  It tells the story of Sofia (17), a promising volleyball player from a humble suburb of São Paulo in Brazil who, on the eve of a future-defining championship, is faced with an unwanted pregnancy. Seeking an illegal termination, she becomes the target of a fundamentalist group determined to stop her at any cost.

The film delves into the challenges Sofia faces in her community, dominated by conservative values. Her extraordinary talent offers her a glimpse of a different life, but she soon finds herself at a crossroads when unforeseen circumstances threaten her future.

The narrative explores themes of community, resilience, and self-expression, as Sofia and her diverse group of friends, who are rebellious and supportive, navigate these trials. Their solidarity and collective strength form the core of this vibrant and emotionally charged story, showcasing the power of unity and defiance in the face of adversity. This film is a testament to the fierce spirit of youth and the unyielding pursuit of freedom and agency.

"A punchy, confrontational energy infuses this celebration of queer sisterhood in the face of Brazilian conservatism,"  ~ Screen Daily

"The context of the team environment being a highly queer space, complete with trans and non-binary players... gives the notion of overcoming an unwanted pregnancy a unique charge: with a far-right, Bolsonaroist group catching wind of her situation as neighborhood gossip circulates...," Cineuropa

​"...This spirited feature debut from Lillah Halla is a vivid, dynamic piece of filmmaking driven by the sparky connections between the teammates and a terrific, pulsing electronic score," ~ Screen Daily

Brazil/France/Uruguay, 2023, 99 mins, drama in Portuguese (With English subtitles), Lillah Halla, dir. 

CITIZEN KWAME

“Citizen Kwame” is a Kafkaesque film about travel visas and brain drain in Africa. It tells the story of Kwame, an ambitious African man who wants to travel outside his country. However, he must first obtain a visa from a white Western gatekeeper who controls movements in and out of the house. It is only with the help of a newly acquired white Western girlfriend that he succeeds.

“This film explores universal themes such as freedom of movement, family and friendship, in a way that is meant to make the audience reflect on them,"  ~ Yuhi Amuli

Rwanda, 2023, 81 mins, drama in English, Yuhi Amuli, dir. 

Experience the essence of jazz and blues in two captivating documentaries! Music Pictures: New Orleans by Ben Chace features legends like Irma Thomas and Ellis Marsalis, while Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band by Carol Bash delves into the life of the groundbreaking Mary Lou Williams.

Music Pictures: New Orlean Trailer Art from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

MUSIC PICTURES: NEW ORLEANS

Music Pictures: New Orleans gives us legacy portraits and a rare backstage access into the lives and craft of four New Orleans music legends: Grammy-winning vocalist known as “The Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas; Little Freddie King, one of the last original bluesmen who at the age of 81 still performs live; the world renowned Tremé Brass Band, a fixture in the New Orleans jazz community; and Ellis Marsalis - father of internationally acclaimed musician, composer and bandleader Wynton Marsalis - the patriarch of the famed jazz family who helped found the modern jazz scene in the 1950s. 

Directed by Ben Chace, 2022, USA, 72 Min, Documentary, English

MARY LOU WILLIAMS TRAILER from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

MARY LOU WILLIAMS: THE LADY WHO SWINGS THE BAND

Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun, directed by Sam Pollard, is an illuminating documentary that captures the life and legacy of one of the most significant African American writers of the 20th century, Zora Neale Hurston. The film takes its audience on a journey through Hurston's eventful life, from her early years in Eatonville, Florida, to her pivotal role in the Harlem Renaissance. It delves into her works, her unique storytelling style that blended folklore with rich depictions of African American life, and her contributions to African American literature. The documentary also addresses the challenges Hurston faced, including her struggle with financial instability and her controversial viewpoints that often placed her at odds with the mainstream civil rights movement. Through interviews with scholars, contemporaries, and excerpts from her own writings, Pollard's film pays homage to Hurston's indomitable spirit and enduring impact on literature and African American culture.

Directed by Sam Pollard, 2008, USA, 84 Min, Documentary, English

"Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun is a moving interpretation of Zora Neale Hurston's life and career. In fact, a viewer can easily sit halfway through the eighty-four-minute film and forget one is watching a documentary," ~Project Muse

"Kudos to Bay Bottom News and American Masters for their professional production, and for bringing to light an amazing and long overdue story of a legendary icon and storyteller of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond,"~ Pennsylvania State University

Rolê - Stories of Brazilian Protests in Malls