Black Power is Green Power

FALL

2023

George Jackson/San Quentin Prison 1972

1972

Courtesy of The Freedom Archives 1972, 28 min. This extraordinary video is from a 16mm film “work print” made in 1971–1972, and includes interviews with George Jackson, Georgia Jackson (George and Jonathan Jackson’s mother) and Angela Davis, while she was still in the Marin County Courthouse Jail, before her acquittal. We have not been able to identify the other prisoners. As you will see, the film has no titles or other credits. The discovery of such amazing, previously unknown historic materials always leaves us thrilled and in awe, deepening our understanding of those times and affirming the mission of the Freedom Archives.

Winter Days

2003

Winter Days is a 2003 animated film, directed by Kihachirō Kawamoto. It is based on one of the renku (collaborative linked poems) in the 1684 collection of the same name by the 17th-century Japanese poet Bashō. The creation of the film followed the traditional collaborative nature of the source material – the visuals for each of the 36 stanzas were independently created by 35 different animators. As well as many Japanese animators, Kawamoto assembled leading names of animation from across the world. Each animator was asked to contribute at least 30 seconds to illustrate their stanza, and most of the sequences are under a minute (Yuriy Norshteyn's, though, is nearly two minutes long).

Hair Piece: A Film for Nappy Headed People

1984

An animated satire on the question of self-image for African American women living in a society where beautiful hair is viewed as hair that blows in the wind and lets you be free. Lively tunes and witty narration accompany a quick-paced inventory of relaxers, gels, and curlers. This short film has become essential for discussions of racism, African American cinema, and empowerment.

Eternal Return

2022

A poet and a spirit have an ongoing deal: Haiku for life.

circles

2014

a haiku films, a poem by Nha Thuyen

Monks

2016

A haiku film poem. the early morning waiting for the monks. the voices. the fire. the wat drum.

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975

2011

Examines the evolution of the Black Power Movement in US society from 1967 to 1975. It features footage of the movement shot by Swedish journalists in the United States during that period and includes the appearances of Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, and other activists, artists, and leaders central to the movement.

Right On!

1970

Filmed on the rooftops of lower Manhattan, this performance film features the original Last Poets performing 28 numbers adapted from their legendary Concept-East Poetry appearance at New York's Paperback Theater in 1969. Described as “a conspiracy of ritual, street theater, soul music and cinema."

Black Power Salute

2008

A film about one of the most iconic images of the 20th century, the moment when the radical spirit of the 1960s upstaged the greatest sporting event in the world. Two men made a courageous gesture that reverberated around the world, and changed their lives forever. This film is about Tommie Smith and John Carlos' protest at the 1968 Olympics.

Uptight

1968

Set against the backdrop of a community mourning the recent MLK assassination, Black militants building up an arsenal of weapons in preparation for a race war are betrayed by one of their own.

Amari And The Night Brothers

Invalid Date

When her beloved brother, Quinton, mysteriously vanishes, determined teenager Amari Peters embarks on a relentless quest for answers. Brushed off by authorities who dismiss her brother as a criminal, Amari refuses to give up. Her search leads her to a mysterious briefcase left behind by Quinton—a portal to a secret supernatural realm. As Amari uncovers the truth, she discovers her brother was a secret agent at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Struggling to navigate this extraordinary new world, Amari faces challenges in a society that views her magical abilities as a threat. With the unwavering support of her best friend, Elsie, she must confront betrayal and danger, ultimately working to protect the supernatural world—and her own life—from imminent destruction.

Tchaïka

1994

A still, highly overexposed shot of a car bridge and the river below. A cinematic haiku by Chris Marker.

Petite Ceinture

1994

A cinematic haiku by Chris Marker.

Llámame Dolores

2024

On the threshold of her old age, Dolores faces a wall full of memories.