Film Series
Image: Sheila Pree Bright, Suburbia Untitled #12, 2006. Chromogenic print. The Amistad Center for Art & Culture, 2008.1
October 12, 2023-May 12, 2024
Love Overflowing: Home and the Décor of Freedom
This eclectic film series offers a nostalgic journey into the heart of home in the Black experience through cinema. The title of the exhibition is inspired by the song, 'Home,' sang by lead character, Dorothy, in the classic, whimsical 1978 film, The Wiz. The film depicts home as a place where there is 'love overflowing'. These five iconic and transformative films in this series - The Wiz, Earth Mama, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, A Raisin in the Sun and The Last Black Man Standing in San Francisco - take viewers to 'home'. In each film, home is the center of their experiences inspiring identity, character, resiliency, joy and family. The décor takes on its own character, creating a backdrop for stories that lay a foundation of future remembrances. Join us on the journey with:
An iconic and vibrant musical, The Wiz, is where the yellow brick road becomes a metaphorical passage to self-discovery and belonging. As Dorothy navigates the magical land of Oz, her quest for ‘home’ becomes a profound exploration of identity, culture, and the essence of being. Earth Mama, another gem within the series, delves into the intimate stories of everyday life, highlighting the resilience, joy, and interconnectedness of Black communities. With a promise of more compelling narratives in 2024, the Love Overflowing series pays homage to the Black aesthetic, unveiling a tapestry of emotions, history, and creativity that resonates universally while celebrating the unique expression of Black culture on screen.
Saturday, October 28 - 2pm
Sunday, October 29 - 2pm
Free popcorn
Click here for information on exciting public art activities for this film at The Amistad Center for Art & Culture. Join us!
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Another gem within the series, delves into the intimate stories of everyday life, highlighting the resilience, joy, and interconnectedness of Black communities. With a promise of more compelling narratives in 2024, the Love Overflowing series pays homage to the Black aesthetic, unveiling a tapestry of emotions, history, and creativity that resonates universally while celebrating the unique expressions of Black culture on screen. Directed by Savanah Leaf, United Kingdom/United States1 hour 37 minutes. Rated R
Friday, October 27, 2pm & 7pm
Saturday, October 28, 7 pm
This is a visually lush and emotionally stirring film that portrays the life of Mackenzie, known as Mack, a Black woman growing up in rural Mississippi. Shot on 35mm film, the movie unfolds in a series of elegantly composed vignettes spanning several decades, providing glimpses into Mack's childhood in the 1970s, her teenage years, and her journey into adulthood. The film's narrative moves fluidly through time, guided by the subtle power of emotion and body language rather than heavy dialogue. Mack's relationships with her family, especially her father, sister, and mother, shape her experiences as she navigates love, loss, grief, and the unexpected moments that define a life. The film delves into the tradition of eating clay dirt, a practice passed down through generations, and the profound connection between nature, family, and the culture of the rural South. With stunning cinematography, evocadscapes, and poetic storytelling. The film is a masterful exploration of the ordinary moments that weave together the tapestry of one woman's life, rooted in the rich soil of Mississippi and illuminated by the human connections that endure through time. Directed by Raven Jackson. United States. 1 hour 32 minutes. Rated PG
Friday, January 12, 2pm
Saturday, January 13, 2pm &7pm
Sunday, January 14, 2pm
Featuring the iconic Sidney Poitier, this is a compelling and timeless drama that unfolds in the cramped confines of the Younger family's apartment on the South Side of Chicago. This gripping narrative revolves around the individual struggles and aspirations of each family member, deeply rooted in the social and economic challenges of 1950s America. When a life-altering insurance check unexpectedly arrives, it serves as a catalyst, igniting a powder keg of tension within the family. Beneath the surface, the play, led by Sidney Poitier's powerful performance, masterfully delves into the intricate dynamics of race, identity, and the relentless pursuit of happiness, offering a profound and thoughtprovoking exploration of the American Dream and the barriers faced by marginalized communities during this pivotal era in history. Directed by Daniel Petrie. United States. 2 hours 8 minutes. Not rated.
Friday, February 9, 2pm
Saturday, February 10, 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, February 11, 2pm
The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)
The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a lyrical and emotionally resonant exploration of friendship, identity, and the evolving landscape of San Francisco. Jimmy Fails embarks on a heartfelt quest to reclaim his childhood home in a city undergoing rapid gentrification, sparking a journey that delves into
the complexities of personal and cultural identity. Through Jimmy's story, the film paints a vivid portrait of a city in transition and captures the universal yearning for a sense of belonging and a place to call home. Directed by Joe Talbot. United States. 2 hours 1 minute. Rated R.
Friday, February 23, 2pm
Saturday, February 24, 2pm & 7pm