Black Film Center/Archive
Film Holdings: "A"
Listed by title followed by year of release, annotation, genre, running time, format, and director
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Abouna (2002) - Drama, 84 min., DVD, dir: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun.
Absolutely Positive (1991) Documentary, 88 min., DVD, dir: Peter Adair.
Across 110th Street (1972) - Struggling to survive in the Harlem ghetto, a few men mastermind the robbary of a Mafia 'bank' and become tragically caught between the police and gansters. Drama, 101 min., DVD, dir: Barry Shear.
Action Jackson (1988) - Detroit police sergeant Jericho "Action" Jackson (Carl Weathers) has to outwit a vicious auto tycoon (Craig T. Nelson) which he eventually does after much bloodshed and muscle display. He also ends up with beautiful damsel-in-distress Sydney Ash (Vanity).Action, 96 min., VHS, dir: Craig R. Baxley.
Action Sports Adventure (1995) - This demo tape is a montage of professional, archival, olympic, and extreme sports compiled by the Sports Footage Library and Production. Documentary, 11 min., VHS, dir: n/a.
Adanggaman (2000) Drama, 85 min., DVD, dir: Roger Gnoan M'Bala.
Adwa: An African Victory (1999) - Ethiopian-born director Haile Gerima focuses on Ethiopia's victory over a European colonial power at the battle of Adwa in 1896. Led by Emperor Menelik and Empress Taitu, Ethiopia defeats Italy's advanced and powerful regime, armed only with lances and spears. Documentary, 96 min., VHS, dir: Haile Gerima.
Aerobics with Soul, Kilimanjaro (1995) - This workout video is hosted by fitness expert Maria Nhambu Bergh and includes exercise routines inspired by traditional African dances with the backdrop of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park. Miscellaneous, 80 min., VHS, dir: Terry Smith.
Affairs of the Political Heart (1985) - This is a story about a couple that is engaged to be married in Athens who goes through difficulties as the man chooses to join a political party. Drama, 26 min., VHS, dir: Donna Mungen.
Affirmations (1990) - The film affirms the homosexual/black community as a vital part of society. While marching, many black gay men confront hatred and stand together. Documentary, 10 min., VHS, dir: Marlon Riggs.
Africa Dreaming (1997) -
- Sophia's Homecoming: For many years, due to economical reasons, Sophia (Sophia Matros) has been away from her country and family. When she returns, she finds out that her place in the family has been taken over by her younger sister whom she has left behind to care for her children. The film is part one of the TV mini-series Africa Dreaming including also Sabriya, So Be It, and The Gaze of the Stars all directed by different directors. dir: Richard Pakleppa.
- So Be It [aka Ainsi soit-il]: The film is based on the play Un Sang Fort by Wolé Soyinka and narrates about the fears of two lovers in a Senegalese village at the New Year's Eve. The visual and verbal imagery suggests the conflict between the modern and the traditional. The film is part three of the TV mini-series Africa Dreaming including also Sophia's Homecoming, Sabriya, and The Gaze of the Stars all directed by different directors. dir: Joseph Gaï Ramaka. [the BFC/A also has a DVD of this film in French with no subtitles; see "Ainsi soit-il"]
- Mamlambo: An adolescent, who is living on the streets of Hillbrow, tells Mamlambo ghost stories to bystanders. Mamlambo are strange half-human spirits who have the ability to alter their physical form, which aids hunting unknowing human victims. dir: Palesa Letlaka-Nkosi.
- The Gaze of the Stars: The film is part of the series Africa Dreaming, the first all-African media project in which South Africa plays a leading role. Salomão (Joao Manja), an owner of a bar in Maputo, Mozambique, takes care of his nephew, Betinho (Tobias Sigauque), a war orphan. Salomão was left by Julia (Hortenncia Tivane) because he did not allow her to study or work out of the house, so she married his neighbor, Saide (Luis Santos). Salomão can hear how Saide every day beats Julia, and when decides to help her, it turns out that she is long gone, whereas Saide protects his man’s pride by pretending he beats his wife. dir: João Ribeiro.
- Sabriya: The series Africa Dreaming is the first continent-wide media project and includes six programs: from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Senegal, and Tunisia. The Tunisian Sabriya tells about two friends, Said (Nabil Chahed) and Youssef (Chawki Bouglia), whose traditional male values crumble when Sarah (Rim Turkhi), a liberated contemporary woman, rushes into their lives and urges them to act as modern men. dir: Abderrahmane Sissako.
- The Last Picture: This film is an installment from the series Africa Dreaming which includes six stories about love from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Mauritania, and Senegal. Taguma is a young photographer obsessed with the image of a woman that he has invented in his fantasies, and whose pictures decorate his studio. dir: Farai Sevenzo.
Drama, 26 min. each, VHS.
Africa Sings (1936) - The lives of black South Africans and their society in the 1930s are examined in this short documentary narrated by Paul Robeson. Documentary, 39 min., VHS, dir: Joseph Best.
Africa Sqeaks (1931) - Children, 8 min., VHS, dir: U. B. Iwerks.
Africa Sqeaks (1940) - Comedy, 8 min., DVD, dir: Robert Clampett.
Africa Unite: A Celebration of Bob Marley's Vision (2008) - Documentary, 89 min., DVD, dir: Stephanie Black.
Africans in America: America's Journey Through Slavery (1998) -
- The Terrible Transformation, 1450-1750: Part one of the Africans in America series examines the origins of slavery, one of the largest forces human migrations in recorded history. After the arrival of the first Africans in Virginia in 1619, the British colonies laid the groundwork for an economic system of racial slavery to generate profits to ensure the new colonies' growth and survival.
- Revolution, 1750-1805: Part two of the Africans in America series shows the American colonies challenge to Britain for independence, opposition to the American slavery system from within, and the Constitution's codification of slavery and oppression as a national way of life.
- Brotherly Love, 1791-1831: Part three of the Africans in America series explores the first fifty years of the newly formed nation, highlighting the presence and contributions of peoples of African descent in Philadelphia, the invention of the cotton gin, and the revolutions in Haiti that inspired many of the slave rebellions throughout the southern states.
- Judgment Day, 1831-1865: Part four of the Africans in America series highlights the nation's westward expansion, and the debate over keeping or abolishing slavery as in institution and the abolitionists struggle to eradicate slavery.
Documentary, 86 min. each, VHS, dir: Orlando Bagwell.
African American Lives (2006) Documentary, 240 min., DVD, dir: Graham Judd.
African American Lives 2 (2008) Documentary, 240 min., DVD, dir: Graham Judd.
African Footprint (2007) Musical, 140 min., DVD, dir: N/A.
Afro-Punk (2003) Documentary, 67 min., DVD, dir: James Spooner.
Against the Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance (1993) - During the 1920s and 30s, African American artists flourished. But patent racial prejudice kept them out of mainstream museums and galleries and threatened their personal artistic expression. Included are original works and footage of the artists of the Harlem Renaissance. Documentary, 57 min., VHS, dir: Amber Edwards.
Agressives, The (2005) Documentary, 73 min., DVD, dir: Daniel Peddle.
Aimé Césaire: une voix pour l'histoire (1994) - This is a three-part biography of the Martinican writer and politician Aimé Césaire who coined the term negritude and launched the literary movement called the "Great Black Cry." He is portrayed in the context of some of the most notable artistic and intellectual figures from the 1930s to the 1990s. The three parts are: "L'ile veilleuse" [The Vigilant Island]; "Au rendez-vous de la conquête" [Where the Edges of Conquest Meet]; and "La force de regarder demain" [The Strength to Face Tomorrow]. Documentary, 54/56/50 min., VHS (3 tapes), dir: Euzhan Palcy.
Ain't Misbehavin' (1982) - Filmed theatrical production of the Fats Waller musical. Musical, 97 min., 16mm, dir: Don Mischer.
Ainsi soit-il (1997) - See "Africa Dreaming: So Be It." Drama, 32 min., DVD, dir: Joseph Gaï Ramaka.
Airmen and Adversity (1998) - This documentary film focusing on the Tuskegee Airmen was produced by Charlotte, North Carolina's Steve Crump. The film was among an array of Crump's films honored and showcased between 1998 and 2000 during the Black Filmworks Festival of Film and Video at the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in Oakland, California. Documentary, 60 min., VHS, dir: Steve Crump.
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp (1936) - This George Pal Puppetoon tells the story of Aladdin and his discovery of the magic lamp. Children, 5 min., VHS, dir: George Pal.
Alamo, The (1960) - John Wayne plays Davy Crockett and Richard Widmark is Jim Bowie in this epic dramatization of the defense of a mission in San Antonio, Texas. Jester Hairston plays a slave freed by Bowie and urged to flee north who decides to stay and help the Texans.Western, 161 min., VHS, dir: John Wayne.
Ali (2001) - Over 100 million dollars was spent in the making of this biographical film focusing on the life of boxing great Muhammad Ali, played by Will Smith. Some events highlighted in the film are: his conversion to Islam, his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War, and his legendary bout with George Foreman in Zaire. Also starring in the film are: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Charles Shufford, Mario Van Peebles, LeVar Burton, and Jamie Foxx. Drama, 157 min., DVD, dir: Michael Mann.
Ali v. Shavers Boxing Fight (1977) - Footage of Muhammad Ali's boxing match with Earnie Shavers on September 29, 1977. Documentary, 18 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.
Ali-Baba Bound (1940) - On Cartoon Collection III. Children, 7 min., VHS, dir: Robert Clampett.
All American Newsreel, 1 (1956) - William Alexander narrates this documentary about Joyce McLinton, Cotton Queen from Arkansas A&M; the Harlem Nursing Staff; National Affairs in the nation's capital; the Police Athletic League and military training at Howard University. Documentary, 5 min., 35mm, VHS, dir: William Alexander.
All American Newsreel, 2 (1956) - Narrated by William Alexander, this documentary focuses on National Affairs in the nation's capital, the Chicago Defender; Joyce McClinton, winner of the Cotton Queen from Arkansas A&M; Sports and the Black Church. Documentary, 5 min., 35mm, VHS, dir: William Alexander.
All American Newsreel; By-line Newsreel (1956) - Documentary, 37 min., VHS, dir: William Alexander.
All Black Musical Comedy (n.d.) - A group of black men sing "You are the Girl of My Dreams" in this short film. Musical, 7 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.
All or Nothing (2001) - Tyrone Gibson plays a rapper striving to become the next "ghetto superstar" in this urban drama that won the Jury Award at the Hollywood Black Film Festival. Drama, 88 min., DVD, dir: Adisa Jones.
All This and Rabbit Stew (1941) - Stepin-Fetchit-like character is out rabbit hunting, but is outwitted by Bugs Bunny. Bugs even out-shoots him at craps, ending up with gun, clothes, etc. Comedy, 7 min., 8mm, DVD, dir: Tex Avery.
Alma's Rainbow (1993) - Alma Gold (Kim Weston-Moran) is the owner of a popular beauty parlor. Her daughter Rainbow (Victoria Gabrielle Platt), is struggling to find her own identity and deal with her awakening sexuality. Alma and her sister, Ruby (Mizan Nunes), a free-spirited chanteuse, present the alternatives which Rainbow must come to terms with in order to find her own way. Ronald Gray is director of photography. Drama, 85 min., VHS, dir: Ayoka Chenzira.
Almos' a Man (1976) - This is a story of a sixteen year old black boy, Dave (LaVar Burton), trying to prove his manhood in the South during the 1930s. Essie (Madge Sinclair) is Dave's overworked mother who allows Dave to have a gun and is forced to pay the consequences when Dave accidentally shoots a white landowner's mule. Bob (Robert Duquoi) is Dave's strict father. Robin Reed is Dave's little brother, Booker. Christopher Reed is a field boss and Roy Andrews is a field hand. Drama, 39 min., 16mm, dir: Stan Lathan.
Almost Brothers (2004) Drama, 102 min., DVD, dir: Lucia Murat.
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned (1998) - Based on a Walter Mosley novel, Luvia (Cicely Tyson) runs a home for the elderly in this drama involving inner-city life on the streets of South Central, Los Angeles. Socrates Fortlaw (Laurence Fishburne) is the modern-day philosopher who tries to protect the local neighborhood from gang members and drug dealers. Drama, 108 min., DVD, dir: Michael Apted.
Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (2002) - This documentary uses the history of the South African liberation movement to show the various ways that music was used to fight for freedom. Songs were a unification tool among the oppressed, and music consoled the incarcerated and created effective forms of underground communication within the prison walls. Documentary, 103 min., DVD, dir: Lee Hirsch.
Amazing Grace (1974) - The campaign of a black candidate for Mayor of Baltimore is led by an old woman (Jackie "Moms" Mabley) who defies convention and traditional politics with comedy and the strength of her convictions. Comedy, 97 min., VHS, dir: Stan Lathan.
Amazing Grace, An (1978) - Broadcast on public affairs program "Like It Is," this documentary profiles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., eminent leader of the Montgomery Boycott movement which gave birth to other anti-racial movements across the U.S. Before his assassination in 1968, King organized people to act to achieve racial integration in interstate travel and public accommodations. Documentary, 60 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Gil Noble & Frank Olivo.
America Beyond the Color Line (2004) - Four-part PBS documentary series hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Documentary, 220 min., DVD, dir: Dan Percival & Mary Crisp.
American Blackout (2006) Documentary, 92 min., DVD, dir: Ian Inaba.
American History for Children: African-American Life (1996) - This film invites K-4 aged children to learn about African-American history through graphics and animations, utilizing reenactments and sing-alongs to help tell the stories. Narration covers the slave trade, inhumane treatment of Blacks, KKK massacres, W.E.B. DuBois, and Booker T. Washington among other important historical figures. Documentary, 100 min., VHS, dir: Fabian & Baber.
American Newsreel 1 (1956) - Documentary, 5 min., 35mm, dir: n/a.
American Newsreel 2 (1956) - Documentary, 5 min., 35mm, dir: n/a.
American Pimp (1999) - Cutting straight to the heart of the world's oldest profession, this intimate portrait of infamous pimps like Filmore Slim, Gorgeous Dre, and Don Magic Juan is eye opening and shocking. From the streets of New York and San Francisco to the Players Ball in Milwaukee, you'll walk the boulevard of broken dreams and learn about the intricate process of pimping. Documentary, 87 min., DVD, dir: Albert & Allen Hughes.
American Revolution 2 (1969) - This film, shot in cinema verite style, documents the aftermath of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the two groups that emerged from the ensuing riots--the Black Panthers and the Young Patriots (a group that included poor Southern whites who had migrated to Chicago)--who united against the racism and social injustice prevalent in the city. Documentary, 75 min., DVD, dir: Howard Alk.
American Women: Portraits of Courage (1976) - This documentary tells the history of the American woman. The film gives a brief history about different famous American women and their achievements. Documentary, 57 min., 16mm, dir: Robert Deubel.
Amistad (1997) - The true story of mutiny on board the Spanish slave ship Amistad in 1839 led by Cinque (Djimon Hounsou) and the landmark trial held in America following the capture of the slaves. Morgan Freeman plays abolitionist Joadson who seeks to help the jailed African slaves acquire their freedom. Drama, 155 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Steven Spielberg.
Amos & Andy Show, no. 1 & 2 (1951-1953) - Television Series, 52 min., VHS, dir: Charles Barton.
Amos & Andy Show, no. 3 & 4 (1951-1953) - Television Series, 52 min., VHS, dir: Charles Barton.
Amos & Andy Show, no. 5 & 6 (1951-1953) - Television Series, 52 min., VHS, dir: Charles Barton.
Amos 'n Andy in the Rassling Match (1934) - Andy trains to wrestle Bullneck Mooseface and becomes the wrestling champion of the world in this animated short. Features the voices of radio's Amos (Freeman F. Gosden) n' Andy (Charles J. Correll). Comedy, 10 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: George Stallings.
Amos 'n Andy Show, The: The Rare Coin (1951) - This is the pilot episode of "The Amos 'n Andy Show" and includes the introduction of the cast by the producers (Charles J. Correll and Freeman F. Gosden). The Kingfish (Tim Moore) cheats Andy (Spencer Williams, Jr.) out of an 1877 antique nickel that he manages to swindle right back. Based upon an earlier radio script. Directed by Abby Berlin prior to Charles Barton's taking over as director of the series. Comedy, 31 min., 16mm, dir: Abby Berlin.
Anansi, the Spider (1969) - Anansi is a folk hero of the Ashanti people of Ghana. In this tale, Anasi falls into a river and is swallowed by a fish. His six extraordinary sons save him. Anasi gives the son who helps him the most a beautiful white globe--the moon. Children, 11 min., 16mm, dir: Gerald McDermott.
Ancient Africans, The (1970) - The film uses animation and color photography to explain the early history of African civilizations from the Stone Age to the 16th century. Studies the ancient kingdoms of Kush, Axum, Mali, Sonhay and the stone ruins of Zimbabwe. Documentary, 28 min., 16mm, dir: Sam Bryan.
And Still I Rise (1993) - The film focuses on media misrepresentation of black women's sexuality. Documentary, 30 min., VHS, dir: Ngozi Onwurah.
Anderson Platoon, The (1966) - Lieutenant Joseph B. Anderson, a black graduate of West Point, and his men were filmed in Vietnam as they ate, slept, fought and died. Pierre Schoendorffer narrates. Presented in U.S. by CBS TV. Documentary, 65 min., VHS, dir: Pierre Schoendorffer.
Angel Levine, The (1970) - Reality and fantasy are interwoven in this story of a black Jewish "angel" sent to earth to save the wife and fortunes of a New York tailor played by Zero Mostel. Harry Belafonte plays the angel opposite Mostel whom he seeks to convince that he is real. Drama, 106 min., 16mm, dir: Ján Kadár.
Angel Puss (1944) - Comedy, 7 min., DVD, dir: Chuck Jones.
Angola 3, The: Black Panthers and the Last Slave Plantation (2008) Documentary, 109 min., DVD, dir: Jimmy O'Halligan.
Animated Ethnic Stereotypes (1931-43) - This series of racial stereotypes includes: Uncle Tom and Little Eva; Africa Squeaks; Minnie the Moocher; Uncle Tom's Cabin; Down on the Levee; Little Black Sambo; Hey-hey Fever; Little Ol' Bosko and the Pirates; Little Ol' Bosko and the Cannibals; Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat; Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs. Children, 82 min., VHS, dir: various.
Anna Lucasta (1958) - This film centers around the problems of a young woman (Eartha Kitt) who is thrown out of the house by a tyrannical father and then takes to the streets. Drama, 97 min., 16mm, DVD, dir: Arnold Laven.
Anniversary Trouble (1935) - Stymie (Matthew Beard) is the president of the Woodchucks, Spanky is the treasurer. Spanky misappropriates the club's money and gets in trouble when his mother thinks it is her anniversary present from her husband. Spanky disguises himself as Buckwheat in an unsuccessful attempt to escape the wrath of the club members. Buckwheat is female here, the "daughter" of Mandy the maid, played by Hattie McDaniel. Comedy, 19 min., 16mm, dir: Gus Meins.
Another You (1991) - Eddie Dash (Richard Pryor), a convicted con man, must fulfill 100 hours of community service by taking a recently released mental patient (Gene Wilder) to cultural sites. Tammy Hanson plays the hat check girl. Comedy, 110 min., VHS, dir: Maurice Phillips.
Anthem (1991) - This short film explores how the homosexual community is depicted in society and serves as a weapon of empowerment for its members. Documentary, 9 min., VHS, dir: Marlon Riggs.
Anyplace But Here (1978) - The economically depressed, Southern black is enticed with stories of the Promised Land, Chicago. Despite the odds, millions travel to Chicago with dreams of a better life. Documentary, 50 min., 16mm, dir: Edmund Coulthend.
Apartheid's Last Stand (1998) - After the presidency of Nelson Mandela, South Africa remains in the shadow of apartheid. This documentary highlights successes of the past and challenges of the future. Documentary, 52 min., VHS, dir: Ingrid Gavshon.
Are You Satisfied? (1987) - Former Chicago Bears football coach Mike Ditka provides his personal philosophy for success in any endeavor to a father and son in this motivational video. Bears star offensive lineman William "Refrigerator" Perry also stars as himself. Documentary, 31 min., 16mm, dir: Tom Barrett.
Aretha Franklin: Soul Singer (1968) - Behind the scenes profile of Aretha Franklin, in rehearsals, with friends, on stage, and at home. She discusses how she began her career in the choir of her father's church and sings several of her songs, including "Respect," and "Natural Woman." Based on the ABC News production of "The Singers: Two Profiles" in which Aretha Franklin and Gloria Loring are compared. Documentary, 23 min., 16mm, dir: Stephen Fleischman.
Aristide and the Endless Revolution (2005) - Using interviews with politicians, scholars, and activists, this feature length documentary investigates the overthrow of democratically elected President of Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The film paints a complex picture of the growing pains of a young, economically depressed democracy. Documentary, 83 min., DVD, dir: Nicolas Rossier.
Arizona Days (1936) - Drama, 57 min., VHS, dir: John English.
Art of Romare Bearden, The (2003) - This documentary film explores the life and work of Romare Bearden, regarded as one of the most important and gifted artists of the 20th century. His extensive work with collage, oils and watercolors are bold and expressive. Morgan Freeman narrates the film, which also features Danny Glover who reads from Bearden's own writings. Documentary, 30 min., DVD, dir: Carroll Moore.
As I Remember It: Portrait of Dorothy West (1991) - This intimate portrait of writer Dorothy West explores the forgotten role of women in the Harlem Renaissance. From the perspective of her 83 years, West relates her memories of growing up African American, privileged and enchanted by literature. Documentary, 56 min., VHS, dir: Salem Mekuria.
Ashes and Embers (1982) - Charles (John Anderson), a Vietnam veteran, struggles with his transition from ex-soldier to civilian. He must also deal with his status as an African American in a racist society. His grandmother (Evelyn Blackwell) and his friends aid in his psychological transformation. Drama, 120 min., VHS, dir: Haile Gerima.
Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (1993) - An investigative report of assassination, the documentary includes interviews with people who were with Martin Luther King during his last hours. Documentary, 90 min., VHS, dir: Denis Mueller.
Asunder (1998) - A Tim Reid thriller about a man whose pregnant wife is killed in a Ferris wheel accident and moves in with his friend. Haunted by the affair with his friend's wife, the man begins to believe that his wife's death was not an accident but an act of revenge. Drama, 103 min., DVD, dir: Tim Reid.
Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, The (1974) - Based on Ernest J. Gaines novel, this fictional film focuses on Miss Jane Pittman (Cicely Tyson) celebrating her 110th birthday and recanting memories of being a former slave, working southern plantations up to her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Winner of nine Emmies. Drama, 110 min., VHS, dir: John Korty.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
