Thurs, 2/8 Free Film Screening
“Black Is…Black Ain’t� – Film & Discussion
Thursday, February 8, 6:30 p.m., Walter Library 402
Marlon Riggs, one of today's most explosively influential independent filmmakers, died of complications due to AIDS. His final film, BLACK IS...BLACK AIN'T, may also be his most powerful. BLACK IS...BLACK AIN'T is an up-front examination of racism, sexism, and homophobia within the black community itself. Bringing together personal stories, interviews, music, history, and performance, BLACK IS...BLACK AIN'T asks African Americans: What is black, black enough, or too black? Produced and directed by Riggs, BLACK IS...BLACK AIN'T was completed posthumously by his co-producer Nicole Atkinson and co-director/editor Christiane Badgley.
Thought-provoking commentary about Black identity by filmmaker Marlon Riggs. “White Americans have always stereotyped African Americans. But the rigid definitions of ‘Blackness’ that African Americans impose on each other, Riggs claims, have also been devastating. Is there an essential Black identity? Is there a litmus test defining the real Black man and true Black woman?� Refreshments served.
Post-film discussion facilitated by Keith Mayes, Asst. Professor in the Dept. of African American and African Studies.
FREE but space limited. RSVP at women@umn.edu or at 612-625-9837.