Black Film Festival: Additional Videos @ ECC

Presents two ballet performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Divining: A dance evoking a strong feeling for African tribal ritual set to hauntingly rhythmic drum music. Revelations: Expresses Ailey's intense feelings for his roots in the South. Here is Ailey's vivid "blood memories" of the blues, spirituals, gospel music, ragtime and folk songs as well as the hard life of the Southern black during the Depression.

Traces King's efforts to recast himself by embracing causes beyond the civil rights movement, by becoming a champion of the poor and an outspoken opponent of the war in Vietnam. Presents an archive of photographs and film footage and using diaries, letters, and eyewitness accounts of fellow activists, friends, journalists, political leaders and law enforcement officials, this film brings insights to King's impossible journey, his charismatic leadership and his truly remarkable impact.

Few people know the intriguing stories of America's pioneering black aviators who overcame enormous social pressures in order to fly. In 1932, James Herman Banning, accompanied by mechanic Thomas C. Allen, was the first black pilot to successfully complete a transcontinental flight. American aviator Bessie Coleman was the first black pilot to receive a license that was only available to her in Europe. William J. Powell, Sr. organized the Bessie Coleman Aero Club to promote airmindedness in the black community; and Hubert Julian was one of the first licensed pilots who pursued a controversial career as showman and promoter.

Langston Hughes was one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance and is often referred to as Harlem's poet laureate. This film shows how Hughes successfully fused jazz, blues and common speech to celebrate the beauty of Black life. This multilayer documentary consists of spoken-word sessions, roundtable discussions and a tour of Hughes' Harlem hang-outs.

Chronicles the life of Ida B. Wells, an early Afro-American journalist and activist who protested lynchings, unfair treatment of Afro-American soldiers, and other forms of racism and injustice toward Black Americans around the turn of the century. Her involvement in the women's suffrage movement is also described.

Presents a look at author James Baldwin's life as reflected in his own words and reminiscences of family and friends. Opening with his funeral in December, 1987, in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, this film includes interviews with friends, family members, and colleagues, including Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, David Baldwin, his biographer David Leeming, William Styron, Bobby Short and others as well as readings from his works and scenes from his plays.

A tribute to Langston Hughes, this film attempts to reclaim him as an important black gay voice in American culture.

A video history of the Children's March that took place in Birmingham, Alabama in May of 1963 that lead to the march on Washington and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It is composed of vintage footage, recreations, and interviews with grownup participants.

Biographical sketch of the Afro-American writer, Richard Wright. Includes a discussion of his literary works and the times in which he lived.

Examines the history of slavery in the United States and the role it played in shaping the new country's development.

Presents a history of African-American newspapers and journalism from the mid-19th century through the 20th century. Tells of the struggles against censorship and discrimination and for freedom of the press, with commentary by historians, journalists, and photojournalists. CD-ROM contains supplementary material supporting the film.

When the Civil War ended in 1865, more than 4 million slaves were set free. By the late 1930's, 100,000 former slaves were still alive. In the midst of the Great Depression, journalists and writers traveled the country to record the memories of the last generation of African-Americans born into bondage. Over 2,000 interviews were transcribed as spoken, in the vernacular of the time, to form a unique historical record.

The in-depth and intimate story of one of the most important African Americans to live in the first half of the 20th century. Tells the story of Jack Johnson, who was the first African American boxer to win the most coveted title in all of sports - Heavyweight Champion of the World. Includes his struggles in and out of the ring and his desire to live his life as a free man.

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, the movie tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

History was made in 1947, when Jackie Robinson broke the professional baseball race barrier to become the first African American MLB player of the modern era. 42 tells the life story of Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey.

Guided by a determined Navy psychiatrist, a troubled sailor embarks on a personal, emotionally inspiring journey to confront his past and connect with the family he never knew. Inspired by the true life experiences of Antwone Fisher.

Chronicles the story of a black woman in the South who was born into slavery in the 1850s and lives to become a part of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

A comedy set over the course of a day in a barbershop in a crime-infested South Side Chicago neighborhood that focuses on a would-be entrepreneur who inherited a barbershop and frets about selling the business to a shady loan shark, while workers engage themselves and customers in debates over politics, women, black history and other topics.

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods-and imprisoned just as quickly-Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

Presents a portrait of black urban America, focusing on three friends growing up in a South Los Angeles neighborhood where friendship, pain, and love are just some of the lessons learned on the streets.

The story of Celie, a poor black woman from the south, whose friendship with two women helps her overcome the brutality of her father and husband.

A comedy-drama about a white-run pizza parlor in a black Brooklyn neighborhood that becomes the center of a violent conflict one hot summer day and changes the lives of the residents forever.

Based on the Broadway musical, a trio of black female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960's.

The animated characters of the '70s come to life in this movie to help a troubled teenager as he experiences the heartfelt emotions and hilarious absurdities of the real world. Bill Cosby, creator of the original cartoon, co-stars.

A drama that follows the life of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, who overcame problems in school and obstacles in life to become a world-renowned neurosurgeon. His lifelong journey led him to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a bestselling author, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

A drama about Robert Shaw who leads the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates.

A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College in Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.

When Tony Lip, a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on The Green Book to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger, as well as unexpected humanity and humor, they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime. Inspired by a true friendship.

Starr Carter navigates the perilous waters between her poor, black neighborhood and her prestigious, mainly white private school. This all changes when she finds herself in the middle of racial activism after her best friend is shot by police officers, and she's forced to make a decision. Allow the media to skewer her friend to protect the status quo, or stand up and tell the truth in memory of Khalil?

A comedy-drama about an aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960's who decides to write a book detailing the African-American maid's point of view on the white families for which they work in Jackson Mississippi, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.

As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson crossed all gender, race, and professional lines while their brilliance and desire to dream big, beyond anything ever accomplished before by the human race, firmly cemented them in U.S. history as true American heroes.

Inspired by a true story about Cecil Gaines, a devoted husband, father, and White House butler who served eight Presidential administrations during the turbulent politics and civil rights battles of twentieth century America.

This film is divided into the quarters of a basketball game and tells the story of Quincy and Monica. It traces their lives as they run parallel and run apart -- from childhood, to high school, to college -- concluding with Quincy and Monica as adults. Both play basketball and each dreams of playing on a professional level. For Quincy, it is easier and expected since he is the son of a professional ballplayer. Monica has it harder being both a woman when there was no professional league, and as a daughter whose mother cannot understand why her daughter wants to be an athlete.

The courageous story of an African-American sailor who dared to dream of becoming a U.S. Navy Master Diver. Despite a ruthless training officer and a tragic shipboard accident, Carl's iron will is never broken. Against all odds, he pushes on to achieve the impossible

In 1932, Nurse Eunice Evers is invited to work with doctors on the "Tuskegee Experiment" to study the effects of syphilis. She is faced with a terrible dilemma when she learns the patients are denied treatment that could cure them.

A film adaptation of the Lorraine Hansberry play about the life of a struggling Black family in a cramped Chicago flat and how they were affected by the promise of a ten thousand dollar life insurance check.

A biodrama about the life and career of the legendary popular music pianist, Ray Charles.

A drama of forced high school integration in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971. After leading his team to fifteen winning seasons, white football coach Bill Yoast is demoted and replaced by African-American Herman Boone, tough, opinionated and as different from Yoast as could be. The two men overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions. A rousing celebration of how a town torn apart by resentment, friction and mistrust comes together in triumphant harmony.

Till is a profoundly emotional and cinematic film about the true story of Mamie Till Mobley's relentless pursuit of justice for her fourteen-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. In Mamie's poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother's ability to change the world.

A drama about a group of African American pilots who were determined to overcome racist opposition to become one of the finest US fighter groups in World War II.

Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all; great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. But appearances can be deceiving. Their world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage. While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, she is challenged to establish a "war room" and a battle plan of prayer for her family.

The remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a ferocity unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, it follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca as she trains the next generation of recruits and prepares them for battle against an enemy determined to obliterate their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for.