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The Africana Studies Film Series is designed to foster
academic and communal participation in the daily activities of the
Program. The varied thematic character of the selections not only
reflect on the academic nuances of courses taught in the Program,
but serve as a vital educational resource for the wider University
and Tucson community. All screenings are followed by a question
and discussion session which is moderated by a member of the Program’s
teaching faculty.
September 12
Stormy Weather
Imaginatively photographed though otherwise conventional all-Black musical featuring a host of top
musical performers starring Lena Horne, Cab Calloway and Ethel Waters. (1943)
September 26
Tsotsi
Tsotsi is a 2005 Academy Award winning dramatic film directed by Gavin Hood and set in South Africa
(specifically Soweto, near Johannesburg). It is based on a novel of the same name by Athol Fugard. The
soundtrack features Kwaito music performed by the popular South African artist Zola as well as a score
by Mark Kilian and Paul Hepker featuring the voice of legendary South African protest singer/poet Vusi
Mahlasela. Captivating audiences worldwide, this compelling story of crime and redemption has earned
countless awards around the globe. On the edges of Johannesburg, Tsotsi's life has no meaning beyond
survival. One night, in desperation, Tsotsi steals a woman's car. But as he is driving off, he makes a
shocking discovery in the backseat. Come and find out what happens next……..
October 3
Crash
This compelling urban thriller tracks the volatile intersection of a Brentwood housewife and her D.A.
husband, a Persian store owner, two police detectives who are also lovers, an African-American
television director and his wife, a Mexican locksmith, two car-jackers, a rookie cop, and a middle-aged
Korean couple who are struggling to overcome their fears as they careen in and out of one another’s
lives. In the gray area between black and white, victim and aggressor, they will collide.
October 10
Bamboozled
Spike Lee’s Bamboozled starring Damon Wayans and Jada Pinkett Smith is a blistering satire of network
television's pitfalls and prejudices, and a humorous look at how race, ratings and the pursuit of power
lead to a television writer's stunning rise and tragic downfall.
October 24
I am a Promise
I AM A PROMISE paints an unflinching verité portrait of the children of Stanton Elementary School in
North Philadelphia, an inner-city neighborhood where 90% of the students live below the poverty line.
As seen through the viewpoint of devoted principal Deanna Burney, the film shows Stanton as grossly
under funded, understaffed, and filled with children struggling to overcome their difficulties. For
these at-risk kids, however, the hope for their future survives only in the success of their education.
October 31
Daughter's of the Dust
Languid look at the Gullah culture of the sea islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia where
African folk-ways were maintained well into the 20th Century and was one of the last bastion of these
mores in America. Set in 1902.
November 11
Quilombo
Palmares is a 17th century quilombo, a settlement of Africans who escaped from slavery in northeast
Brazil. In 1650, enslaved Africans revolted and headed for the mountains where they found others led
by the aged seer, Acotirene. Acotirene anointed one of the escapees who became Ganga Zumba, a
legendary king. For years, Ganga Zumba and his warriors held off the Portuguese slave raiders;
however, Ganga Zumba made a dangerous mistake when he agreed to leave the mountains in exchange
for land and peace. This film is a powerful rendition of the Pan African resistance to enslavement in
Brazil.
November 14
Negroes with Guns
An electrifying look at a historically erased leader, that also provides a thought-provoking examination
of Black radicalism and resistance and serves as a launching pad for the study of Black liberation
philosophies. Insightful interviews with historian Clayborne Carson, biographer Timothy Tyson, Julian
Bond, and a first person account by Mabel Williams, Robert’s wife, bring the story to life.
November 21
American Blackout
Many have heard of the alleged voting irregularities that occurred during the presidential elections of
2000 and 2004. Until now, these incidents have gone under-reported and are commonly written-off as
insignificant rumors or unintentional mishaps from an overburdened election system. American
Blackout chronicles the recurring patterns of voter disenfranchisement from Florida 2000 to Ohio 2004,
while following the story of Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. McKinney not only took an
active role in investigating these election debacles, but found herself in the middle of her own public
disputes after publicly questioning the Bush Administration about the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
November 28
Imitation of Life
In 1947 at Coney Island, down-on-her-luck actress Lora Meredith and her young daughter Susie meet
colored Annie Johnson and her daughter Sarah Jane. Annie is desperate for a place to live and offers to
work as Lora's maid for food and lodging. Lora's luck begins to change as a result of their meeting and
their two stories unfold across the years. However, Annie's problems start when Sarah Jane tries to pass
as white. (125 min.)
TUESDAYS 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
CHVEZ 400
Free & Open to the Public
Sponsored by:
Africana Studies
LSB Bldg., Rm 223
1501 E. 1st St.
Tucson, AZ 85721
Please call 621-5665 for inquiries. |
