ANGELICA

$395.00

ANGELICA

Angelica, after a long absence from Puerto Rico, returns home when her father, Wilfredo, suffers a stroke. This unexpected return and her father's illness force Angelica to re-evaluate her relationship with her mother and family members who don't accept her because of her skin color. She must face herself and discovers that she does not know who she is. After her father's death, Angelica must decide whether to return to the comfort of her previous life, dissatisfied, but secure, or set on an adventurous path to rediscover herself as an independent, modern, strong, black, and Puerto Rican woman.

Directed by Marisol Gómez-Mouakad, Puerto Rico, 2016, 100min, Drama, English & Spanish w/English subtitles

"Purposely challenging the Eurocentric beauty standards that blatantly plague Latin America on and off screen, Puerto Rican director Marisol Gómez-Mouakad sets out to tell the story of an empowered Afro-Latina fighting colorism at home in her debut feature Angélica." ~ Remezcla

“People talk about racism and sexism in the U.S.,” Gómez-Mouakad explains. “They may not do much, but in talking about it they are at least addressing the problem. In Puerto Rico — and across the Caribbean and Latin America — there is a lot of denial. If you do talk about the issues, you are accused of being over sensitive. But words have power and words can hurt.” ~ director Marisol Gómez-Mouakad

"In addition to the theme of racism, the film touches upon the implications of machismo in a patriarchal society from the perspective of women." ~ Repeating Islands

"Another glorious, glorious portrait on race and the roles women play—by pressure, by tradition, by choice. " ~ Guilie Castillo Oriard

Cart

ANGELS ON DIAMOND STREET

$395.00

Angels On Diamond Street Trailer - Art HD from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

ANGELS ON DIAMOND STREET

DIRECTED BY Petr Lom

U.S.A. / Netherlands / 2019 / ENGLISH / SPANISH w/English Subtitles / 88 MIN

SYNOPSIS

Angels on Diamond Street spotlights three women fighting for social justice in an African-American church in Philadelphia. We follow head cook Mamie Mather, former Black Panther Barbara Easley-Cox and Pastor Renee Mackenzie at the soup kitchen of the Church of the Advocate: a national monument with a rich history in the civil rights movement.

When an undocumented Mexican immigrant family - Carmela Apolonio Hernandez and her children - asks the church for sanctuary, they are welcome with open arms. Pastor Mackenzie courageously defies the ICE immigration authorities in an act of civil disobedience.

A documentary about compassion that invites us to forget about all borders, be they of race, nationality or religion.

"Angels on Diamond Street, by the Netherlands-based director Petr Lom, is rich with quotable quotes. It is a tender look at an American church with an old, persevering, social justice soul, and the people who make their soup kitchen a communal magnet.

The film was recorded during a two-year focus on North Philadelphia's activist congregation of the Church of the Advocate in the heart of a poor, African American neighborhood. The church building is a huge, stone beauty finished in 1887, named the George W. South Memorial Church, but is best known by its current moniker. Informative and strung together chronologically, it grows into an occasional conversation between the man behind the camera and the people he follows. You can read a lot in its details." ~ JoAnne Velin, moderntimes.review.com

Cart

DESIREÉ

$245.00

DESIREÉ

DIRECTED BY FELIX DE ROOY

NETHERLANDS AND USA / 1984 / ENGLISH SUBTITLES / 96 MIN

SYNOPSIS

Set in Brooklyn, New York this Dutch film is based on a true story that appeared on a New York newspaper in 1980.

Desirée lives in the past. A series of flashbacks expose us to her psychologically troubled childhood very much affected by a promiscous mother. Her present life evolves around three people: her employer Mrs. Resnick, Freddy, her lover and Father Siego, leader of the church "The True Confessors".

Desirée's relationship with each one of these characters is at the origin of her falling apart. Freddy is an insecure black man who finishes their love affair with a sad note, Father Siego is the leader of a rigid narrow-minded religious sect and Mrs Resnick is a racist, prejudiced white woman who feels black people are inferior and incapable of living their own live.

Rejected by all because of her pregnancy, Desirée blames her child as the source of evil. She is then possessed by evil and wants to exorcise it. The only way is to get rid of her daughter...

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Felix de Rooy

GENRES

Drama

Cart

Fighting for Respect: African-American Soldiers in WWI

$395.00

Fighting For Respect - Art Trailer from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

FIGHTING FOR RESPECT: AFRICAN-AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN WWI

Directed by Joanne Burke

USA/FRANCE / 2021 / 54 MIN / DOCUMENTARY / ENGLISH

SYNOPSIS

Fighting for Respect captures the plight of African American soldiers who fought in WWI, receiving the Croix de Guerre military decoration from France, while still fighting discrimination and hatred at home in America.

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Joanne Burke

GENRES

Documentary

Cart

FILLING THE GAP

$395.00

FILLING THE GAP

DIRECTED BY TYRONE YOUNG

USA / 2010 / ENGLISH / 83 MIN

SYNOPSIS

Conceived as an effort to alter the way African-American children see themselves and their ancestors, this docu-drama highlights the inventive and inspired contributions of African-Americans in the 1840s, the period leading to the Civil War in American History.

Developed in collaboration with Florida-based historian Mary Fears to produce a historically accurate portrayal of the brave, compelling lives of African American skilled craftsmen, artists, inventors, and Union spies, the film is certain to enthrall young audiences with this overlooked facet of history.

"This is an incredibly powerful piece for kids to see. Black kids, white kids, whatever. . . they need to see this. It really does fill the gap. It reminds us all of the incredible intelligence, artistry, craftsmanship, and heart of the people of color who were subjected to all kinds of horrors. The emphasis on this movie is not about the horror of slavery, though it is obviously a factor, but about the contributions and skills of the black population dealing with that horror. We can all use the message that we can rise above our surroundings. Children, especially children of color but whites as well, need to see and experience these stories that will make them proud and remind them of their heritage. Well done Tyrone Young and the rest of all those involved." - Dr. Scott Sheperd

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Tyrone Young

GENRES

Docu-drama

Cart

HOGTOWN

$395.00

HOGTOWN

DIRECTED BY DANIEL NEARING

U.S.A. / 2015 / ENGLISH / 95 MIN

SYNOPSIS

HOGTOWN is set in 1919 Chicago against the backdrop of the race riots of that year. The story follows an investigation into the disappearance of a millionaire theatre owner during a snowstorm. HOGTOWN is a murder mystery that celebrates the most American of American cities while exploring the intimate lives of many of its people. This period piece is much more a period-less piece, shot in black and white in the often undisguised contemporary city. The film involves a multi-racial, ensemble cast of more than 70 characters, a full symphony orchestra score, and evolves directly from the ensemble process of the making our previous feature, Chicago Heights (now The Last Soul on a Summer Night).

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Daniel Nearing

Starring: Herman Wilkins

Starring: Márcio Garcia

Starring: Sean Walton

GENRES

Drama

Cart

JOSEPHINE BAKER: BLACK DIVA IN A WHITE MAN'S WORLD

$245.00

Josephine Baker: Black Diva in a White Man's World Trailer - ArtMattan Films from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

JOSEPHINE BAKER: BLACK DIVA IN A WHITE MAN'S WORLD

DIRECTED BY ANNETTE VON WANGENHEIM

GERMANY, U.S. AND FRANCE / 2006 / ENGLISH, GERMAN, AND FRENCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES / 45 MIN

SYNOPSIS

A tender, revealing documentary about one of the most famous and popular performing artists of the 20th century. Her legendary banana belt dance created theatre history; her song “J’ai deux amours” became a classic, and her hymn.

The film focuses on her life and work from a perspective that analyses images of Black people in popular culture. It portrays the artist in the mirror of European colonial clichés and presents her as a resistance fighter, an ambulance driver during WWII, and an outspoken activist against racial discrimination involved in the worldwide Black Consciousness movement of the 20th century.

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Annette von Wangenheim

GENRES

Documentary

Cart

KUESSIPAN

$395.00

KUESSIPAN

The award-winning drama Kuessipan by Myriam Verreault was adapted from the acclaimed novel Kuessipan and co-written with the novel’s First Nation Canadian author Naomi Fontaine. Kuessipan means "your turn" in the Innu language, a title chosen to mark the notion that it is the Innu people's turn to tell their story.

“The Innu voice is ever present, which is so important as it offers a glimpse into their lives without a Colonial perspective. It's a feature that, while seemingly an obvious advantage, is hardly ever utilized for similar films. It means that audiences can enter the world in a respectful manner - which isn't to say the film shies away from the issues, but it does mean that those issues are approached in a confident and dignified way” writes Joel Kalkopf in his review for Switch.

The story follows two girls who grow up as best friends in a Quebec Innu community. While Mikuan has a loving family, Shaniss is picking up the pieces of her shattered childhood. As children, they promised each other to be lifelong friends. But as they mature, their lives take different paths, and their personal ambitions diverge leading them to a cultural and identity clash that tests their bond.

Directed by Myriam Verreault, Canada, 2019, 117min, Drama, Montagnais, French, English w/English subtitles

"Kuessipan is quiet and mesmerizing and tragic and full of hope. It is a triumph, and a privilege to spend time with." ~ Globe and Mail

"Myriam Verreault excels at crafting a film told through an Indigenous lens that discusses universal themes of friendship, identity, love, and heartbreak." ~ Exclaim!

"Kuessipan is a beautiful, un-sensationalized look at young womanhood, friendship and community." ~ NOW Toronto

"Heartbreakingly exploring Indigenous identity and the bonds that root us to a community, Kuessipan is a bold ode to young womanhood." ~ MUBI

Cart

Ludi

$395.00

Trailer LUDI Art.mp4 from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

"Ludi," directed by Edson Jean, is a compelling exploration of the Haitian immigrant experience set in the vibrant community of Little Haiti in Miami. The film follows the resilient protagonist, Ludi, portrayed by the talented Shein Mompremier, as she grapples with the challenges of forging a new life in America. In the pursuit of the elusive American dream, Ludi confronts the harsh realities of the immigrant experience.

Edson Jean's directorial finesse captures the nuances of cultural identity, economic struggle, and the indomitable spirit that propels individuals to persevere against adversity. The film not only sheds light on the immigrant narrative but also serves as a poignant reflection on the strength and resilience of those who dare to seek a better life in a new land. "Ludi" stands as a significant contribution to the cinematic exploration of diasporic experiences within the Afro-Caribbean context.

Directed by Edson Jean, USA, 2021, 81 Minutes, drama, English and Haitian Creole with English subtitles

"Jean's "Ludi" is the type of low-stakes drama that's easy to root for, and even more wonderful to see" - Robert Daniels, The Playlist

"This is one of the best films of the year so far, and that comes as a result of the hard work and dedication from everyone involved." - Kyle Bain, Film Threat

"An examination of the difficulties inherent in that so-called American Dream, with a magnetic lead performance from Shein Mompremier. Ludi is a charming, tragic, painful, and beautiful film to behold." -Aaron Peterson, Hollywood Outsider

Cart

MAMA AFRICA: MIRIAM MAKEBA + ACES

$395.00

MAMA AFRICA: MIRIAM MAKEBA

DIRECTED BY MIKA KAURISMÄKI

SOUTH AFRICA AND GERMANY / 2011 / ENGLISH / 90 MIN

SYNOPSIS

Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba focuses on the life and influence of the South African singer and civil rights activist, Miriam Makeba. The film's segment concerning her time in the USA is particularly significant, as it showcases her impact on the Civil Rights Movement and her artistic collaborations in the country.

During her time in the United States, Makeba's music and activism became deeply intertwined with the African-American experience. Her marriage to Stokely Carmichael, a prominent figure in the Black Panther Party, marked a crucial period where her artistry and advocacy for African rights gained prominence, but also led to controversy and eventual exile from the USA. The documentary explores how Makeba used her voice not only to enchant American audiences with her music but also to raise awareness about the struggles against apartheid in South Africa, making her a vital cultural and political link between Africa and the African-American community.

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Mika Kaurismäki

Starring: Hugh Masekela

Starring: Angélique Kidjo

Starring: Harry Belafonte

GENRES

Documentary

BONUS FILM

ACES

DIRECTED BY NTANDAZO "DIDI" GCINGCA

SOUTH AFRICA / 1999 / ENGLISH / 17 MIN

SYNOPSIS

Aces is the story of a young man who fights against the battering of his mother by his drunken father. The situation escalates until Ace desperately stabs his father to death, and is sent to jail for a period of 15 years. Nine years later he is out on parole. He kills again within a day's time of his release.

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Ntandazo "Didi" Gcingca

GENRE

Short Drama

Cart

MARY LOU WILLIAMS: THE LADY WHO SWINGS THE BAND

$295.00

MARY LOU WILLIAMS TRAILER from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

MARY LOU WILLIAMS: THE LADY WHO SWINGS THE BAND

DIRECTED BY CAROL BASH

U.S.A. / 2015 / ENGLISH / 70 MIN

SYNOPSIS

She was ahead of her time, a genius. During an era when Jazz was the nation's popular music, Mary Lou Williams was one of its greatest innovators. As both a pianist and composer, she was a font of daring and creativity who helped shape the sound of 20th century America. And like the dynamic, turbulent nation in which she lived, Williams seemed to redefine herself with every passing decade.

From child prodigy to "Boogie-Woogie Queen" to groundbreaking composer to mentoring some of the greatest musicians of all time, Mary Lou Williams never ceased to astound those who heard her play. But away from the piano, Williams was a woman in a "man's world," a black person in a "whites only" society, an ambitious artist who dared to be different, and who struggled against the imperatives of being a "star." Above all, she did not fit the (still) prevailing notions of where genius comes from or what it looks like. Time and again, she pushed back against a world that said, "You can't" and said, "I can." It nearly cost her everything.

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Carol Bash

Starring: Alfre Woodard

Starring: Geri Allen

Starring: Carmen Lundy

GENRES

Documentary

Cart

Music Pictures: New Orleans

$395.00

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

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.

Music Pictures: New Orleans is a vibrant documentary exploring the rich musical heritage of New Orleans. It showcases the city’s diverse musical landscape, from legendary jazz clubs to lively street performances, highlighting the influences of Creole, African American, and French cultures. The film delves into how historical events, including Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina, have shaped the city’s music scene. Through interviews with local musicians and historians, it reveals music's role in the city’s cultural and social fabric, celebrating genres like jazz, blues. This documentary offers an insightful glimpse into the resilience and cultural dynamism of New Orleans, making it a valuable resource for those interested in music history and cultural studies.

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

"Music Pictures: New Orleans is a pleasantly entertaining, early 2020s snapshot of four influential artists in blues and jazz." - Culture Mix

"Sometimes if you’re tired of documentaries that try to push a one-sided political message, a musical documentary can fix that. The documentary Music Pictures: New Orleans is an insightful documentary of a town with a century of a music legacy." ~ Jon The Blogcentric.org

" Music Pictures: New Orleans is a great documentary showcasing musicians, both individuals and groups, and how their sound has an impact not only on the sounds of New Orleans but on musical genres as a whole. It’s as much about its past legacy as it is about its present and future." ~ Jon The Blogcentric.org

Cart

MUSIC PICTURES: NEW ORLEANS & MARY LOU WILLIAMS, THE LADY WHO SWINGS THE BAND

$395.00

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

She was ahead of her time, a genius. During an era when Jazz was the nation's popular music, Mary Lou Williams was one of its greatest innovators. As both a pianist and composer, she was a font of daring and creativity who helped shape the sound of 20th century America. And like the dynamic, turbulent nation in which she lived, Williams seemed to redefine herself with every passing decade.

Directed by Carol Bash, 2015, USA, 70 min, Documentary, English

Cart

PARIS NOIR: AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE CITY OF LIGHTS

$295.00

Paris Noir - African Americans In The City Of Light series intro trailer from ArtMattan Productions on Vimeo.

PARIS NOIR: AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE CITY OF LIGHTS

DIRECTED BY JOANNE BURKE

U.S.A. AND FRANCE / 2017 / ENGLISH / 60 MIN

SYNOPSIS

Paris Noir - African Americans in the City of Light is an exciting, enlightening documentary on the presence of African Americans in Paris from WWI to the early 1960s.

The film touches on:

- Josephine Baker, Bricktop and Sidney Bechet
- Writers Langston Hughes and Claude McKay
- The connections forged with top African and Caribbean writers and intellectuals Leopold Senghor, Aimé Cesaire, and the Nardal Sisters
- The achievements and challenges of artists in Montparnasse
- The exploitation and growing self-determination of people of color from and in France's vast overseas empire

Looking back today at their astounding achievements and the beneficial cultural exchange between France and Black America stirs up lively conversation. These jazz musicians, writers, artists, intellectuals - they launched the appreciation of Black culture worldwide.

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Joanne Burke

GENRES

Documentary

Cart

RETURN TO GORÉE

$345.00

RETURN TO GORÉE

DIRECTED BY PIERRE-YVES BORGEAUD

SENEGAL, SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE / 2006 / ENGLISH AND FRENCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES / 108 MIN

SYNOPSIS

A musical road movie, Return to Gorée follows Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour's historical journey tracing the trail left by enslaved Africans and the jazz music they created. Youssou N'Dour's challenge is to bring back to Africa a jazz repertoire of his own songs to perform a concert in Gorée, the island that today symbolizes the slave trade and stands to honor its victims.

From Atlanta to New Orleans, from New York to Bordeaux and Luxembourg, the songs are transformed, immersed in jazz and gospel. Transcending cultural divisions and rehearsing with of some of the world's most exceptional musicians, Youssou N'Dour is preparing to return to Africa for the final concert...

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Pierre-Yves Borgeaud

Starring: Youssou N'Dour

Starring: Moncef Genoud

Starring: Idris Muhammad

GENRES

Musical Documentary

Cart

STAND DOWN SOLDIER

$245.00

STAND DOWN SOLDIER

DIRECTED BY JERYL PRESCOTT

U.S.A. / 2015 / ENGLISH / 82 MIN

SYNOPSIS

Stand Down Soldier, directed by Jeryl Prescott, is a compelling narrative that delves into the complex realities faced by African American women in the military. The film follows the journey of Sergeant Stacy Armstrong as she returns home from multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, battling the invisible wounds of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The film adeptly portrays the struggles of reintegrating into society, family life, and finding a sense of normalcy after the life-altering experiences of war and adds another layer to Sergeant Armstrong’s challenges by addressing the unique trauma associated with being a woman in the military. It explores the difficulties she faces in a predominantly male environment, including gender-based discrimination and the additional mental health stresses that arise from such experiences.

Stand Down Soldier not only highlights the personal battles of Sergeant Armstrong but also sheds light on broader themes such as the mental health issues faced by women veterans, the lack of adequate support systems, and the specific experiences of African American soldiers. It is a poignant reflection on the sacrifices and unseen scars of war, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and support for veterans' mental health.

As Sergeant Armstrong struggles with the transition back to civilian life, the film portrays her battle against not only the trauma of combat but also the internal conflicts stemming from her experiences as a female soldier. These experiences include navigating a system that often lacks sufficient support for the specific needs of women veterans.

This film is particularly relevant for discussions in Africana and Women Studies for its exploration of intersecting themes of race, gender, and military service. It provides a unique perspective on the African American military experience, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked narratives of women veterans. This film is a poignant reminder of the need for greater awareness and support for all veterans, especially those facing compounded challenges due to their gender and race.

Writer, director, producer, and lead actress in Stand Down Soldier, Jeryl Prescott - an actress best known for her portrayal of Jacqui in The Walking Dead - started writing the award-winning script for Stand Down Soldier after conversations with female family members and friends from her home state of SC who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“It was both revelatory and refreshing to see that a film about a soldier’s return home from active duty in Iraq is focused on a woman.” ~ Highbrow Magazine
Read Full Review HERE

“Stand Down Soldier is a poignant film about an African-American female soldier back to civilian life after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. This film took me by surprise, and I really enjoyed it.” ~ Film Monthly.

Read Full Review HERE

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Jeryl Prescott

Starring: Jeryl Prescott

Starring: Maria Russell

Starring: Harry Lennix

GENRES

Drama

Cart

THE INVISIBLE COLOR: BLACK CUBANS IN MIAMI

$295.00

THE INVISIBLE COLOR: BLACK CUBANS IN MIAMI

DIRECTED BY SERGIO GIRAL

USA / 2017 / ENGLISH AND SPANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES / 47 MIN

SYNOPSIS

This latest documentary by the Dean of Afro-Cuban Cinema Sergio Giral investigates the black Cuban exile community in South Florida, since the first wave of political refugees in the 1959 revolutionary aftermath, to today. It tracks its presence throughout the region, and highlights its contribution to Miami's civic culture through testimonies and visual documentation.

DIRECTOR

Director: Sergio Giral

GENRE

Documentary

Cart

THE SLEEPING NEGRO

$395.00

WINNER!
* FIPRESCI Award, International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg 2022, Germany
* VISIONARY AWARD , Cinequest 2022

The Sleeping Negro, by Skinner Myers is a provocative and introspective film that delves into the complexities of race, identity, and societal expectations in contemporary America. The story centers around a young African American man grappling with the pressures and contradictions of living in a predominantly white society.

As the protagonist navigates his day-to-day life, he confronts instances of racism, microaggressions, and the internal conflicts that arise from trying to assimilate while preserving his cultural identity. The film boldly addresses themes of self-awareness, the psychological impact of systemic racism, and the struggle to find authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.

Skinner Myers’ approach to storytelling in The Sleeping Negro is both intimate and confrontational, compelling viewers to reflect on the deeper societal issues that affect African Americans. The film is particularly significant for its unflinching portrayal of the emotional and mental turmoil experienced by its main character. It is an essential resource for students and scholars in Africana Studies and Film Studies, providing a poignant exploration of racial dynamics and personal identity in the context of African American life.

Following on the footstep of the LA Rebellion filmmakers, Skinner Myers tells a very personal and intimate Black story in a radically non-traditional cinematic style as a means to express freely his feelings as a Black man in America.

By Skinner Myers, USA, 2021, 72min, Drama, English

"A superb character study of a black man, how he sees himself and how he was treated by society, it is surreal yet real and terrifying." ~ Ulkar Alakbarova, moviemovesme.com

"Remaining asleep to Myers as an African-American is a sin, but so is to be completely awake to the point where love for the self is all but embraced. In this impassioned, vigorous, lucid cinematic journey, the bleak, bruised-yet-fighting spirit of one Kendrick Lamar’s and every other prominent African artist strikes like lightning, and resonates like thunder. Like the greats, Myers, is a voice in his lane to place one’s focus on; his artistry effortlessly commanding, a feat implying many more to be accomplished in a budding career in American independent filmmaking." ~ LOUIE BAHAROM, cinephiliaph.wordpress.com

Cart

WHITE LIKE THE MOON

$145.00

WHITE LIKE THE MOON

DIRECTED BY MARINA GONZALEZ PALMIER

U.S.A. / 2001 / ENGLISH / 23 MIN

SYNOPSIS

A Mexican-American girl struggles to keep her identity when her mother forces her to bleach her skin. White Like the Moon is a revealing film about a dilemma not very well known outside Latino communities; that of the myth of the light skin superiority in Indigenous and Indigenous descendant communities.

DIRECTOR AND CAST

Director: Marina Gonzalez Palmier

Starring: Misha Aziz

Starring: Diana Burbano

Starring: Crystal Leah Chacon

GENRES

Drama

Cart

Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun

$395.00

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

Cart