Films & Filmmakers of the Diaspora

This part will address the navigation of resources in African American/African Diaspora film studies, primarily introducing the user to the possibilities of digital audiovisual content. While representations of paper and text resources are benefiting from the application of new media tools, the most anticipated by film scholars (and so far the least available) are digital ways of “meeting” filmmakers and their cinema. The educator does not yet have enough online access and interactive ways to teach film scholarship of and in audiovisual formats. The pool of available resources is vastly outweighed by that which is NOT readily available. So along with introducing the novice film studies scholar to the literature this guide will point out where content work is still needed.

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Defining The Diaspora Film

This section seeks to highlight those core sources describing the components of African American/African Diaspora Film Studies, guiding us next to the range of electronic resources available for identifying not only books, articles and other publications but especially to point us to media available online.

• Core Works

  Print Resources
  

  The Internet is a rich source of lesson plans, educational sites, and other resources that enhance classroom experiences. But the following selection of print sources will help you to identify Internet sites and incorporate them into your lesson plans.

  • Martin, Michael T. Cinemas of the Black diaspora: diversity, dependence, and oppositionality Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1995.
    Review: Okome, Onookome. Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, March, 1997 Full Text

  • Foster, Gwendolyn Audrey. Women filmmakers of the African and Asian diaspora: decolonizing the gaze, locating subjectivity Carbondale, Ill. : Southern Illinois University Press,1997.
    Author comments: Full Text

  • Alexander, George T. Why We Make Movies: Black Filmmakers Talk About the Magic of Cinema. New York: Harlem Moon/Broadway Books, 2003.
    
  • Shiri, Keith. Directory of African film-makers and films Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1992.
    Review: Patricia Aufderheide. Africa: Journal of the International African Institute, vol. 64, No. 2 (1994), pp. 288-289. Full Text

  • Cham, Mbye B and Andrade-Watkins, Claire Blackframes: critical perspectives on Black independent cinema Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1998.
    

  • Parks, Sheri. Seeing through our own eyes. Black Film Review, 1994, Vol. 8 Issue 2, p14, Full Text
    (unique vantage point of African American filmmakers)
    
  • Williams, John. Daughters of the Diaspora. Black Film Review, 1994, Vol. 8 Issue 2, p15, Full Text
    (catalog of 65 black women independent film and video-makers)
    
    
  • Donalson, Melvin, editor Black Directors in Hollywood Austin: University of Texas Press, 2000.
    Reviewed by: Dreher, Kwakiutl Lynn. Quarterly Review of Film & Video, Nov2006, Vol. 23 Issue 5, p460-465, 6p. Full Text
  
  
  • Schmidt, Nancy J. Review: Special Issues of Periodicals on African Film, African Studies Review, Vol. 40, No. 1 (Apr., 1997), pp. 113-119, Full Text
  
  
  • Stam, Robert. Slow Fade to Afro: The Black Presence in Brazilian Cinema, Film Quarterly, vol. 36, no. 2 (winter, 1982-1983), pp. 16-32 Full Text
  
  
  • Black film review. Sojourner Productions, Inc.; University of the District of Columbia; Washington, DC: Domino Impressions, 1985-1994. Abstract: Featured articles and interviews dedicated exclusively to the work and concerns of black filmmakers in America and the world; news notes, film reviews and the changing role of women in film; available online from 1992-1994. Full Text
  
  Audiovisual Resources
  The following selection of documentary resources can introduce students and scholars to the world of African American and diaspora films and filmmakers.
  
  
  • Midnight ramble: Oscar Micheaux and the story of race movies. Northern Light Productions film; WGBH. Written by Clyde Taylor, produced by Pamela A. Thomas & Bestor Cram, directed by Bestor Cram, Pearl Bowser. Alexandria, Va.: PBS Video, 1999
    Information: PBS VIDEOindex® Online
  • BaadAssss cinema: a bold look at 70's blaxploitation films. [New York] : Docurama : Distributed by New Video, 2002
    Abstract: In this groundbreaking documentary from the Independent Film channel, filmmaker Isaac Julien takes us back to the early 70s and the explosion of blaxploitation films, today one of American cinema's most beloved cult genres.
    
  • Afrocentricity. QuickBand Networks; Gordon Bijelonic; Chuck Wilson; Charles Stone; Jeffrey W Byrd; Lee Davis; Niva Dorell; Muhammida El Muhajir; Tanya Boyd. Burbank, CA: Warner Home Video, 2000.
    Abstract: A compilation of seven short films, in-depth interviews and commentary by emerging African American film directors. "Meet here the next generation ... unadulterated by the Hollywood filmmaking process.
    Review: Film Threat
  • "Encore," Isaac Julien director (from) Point of view: an anthology of the moving image. New York: New Museum of Contemporary Art, 2004
    Abstract: Part of a series presenting a point of entry for contemporary artists working in video, film and digital imagery who represent different generations and cultural perspectives.
    More info: ArtFacts
  • Black shadows on a silver screen: the Black film industry from 1915-1950: featuring rare films of Paul Robeson, Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters and others. Los Angeles, Calif. : Republic Pictures Home Video, 1986 Abstract: History of the motion picture made by Black film makers between 1900 and 1950, including scenes from these films. Emphasizes the attempt by Black film makers to provide alternatives to the lack of sensitivity and racism of Hollywood films by portraying Blacks realistically.
    
    
  • Black Cinema; silence to sound, 1903-1950. Sherman Oaks, CA : OnDeck Home Entertainment, 2007.
    Abstract: Discover the first black filmmakers in this historic film short focusing on the movies that were made and the production companies that produced them. Includes three film shorts and 6 "soundies" from the 1940's featuring African American musicians.
    

  • Sisters in Cinema: A History of African American Women Feature Film Directors. Yvonne Welbon, director. (Chicago): Sisters in Cinema, 2003
    Abstract: A 62-min documentary by Yvonne Welbon that traces the careers of inspiring African American women filmmakers from the early part of the 20th century to today. As the first documentary of its kind, Sisters in Cinema creates a strong visual history of the contributions of African American women to the film industry.
    Website: Sisters in Cinema

• Collections

  Libraries and Archives
  Institutions are only now beginning to explore the range of electronic resources available for displaying media, and creating web projects in this area of film studies.
  
  
  
  • American Mosaic. The African-American Mosaic: A Library of Congress Resource Guide for the Study of Black History & Culture. Selection
  
  
  • Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division. American Memory Collection. Directory
  
  
  • Library of Congress. Digital Collections and Services.Online access to print, pictorial and audio-visual collections and other digital services Directory
  
  
  • Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies Black Film Center/Archive, Indiana University Page
  
  
  • Black Film Center/Archive. Imaging Blackness, 1915-2002: Film Posters from the Indiana University Black Film Center/Archive Page
  
  
  • Black Film Center/Archive. Feature Presentation: Race Movies Page
  
  
  • Black Film Center/Archive. Black Camera: A Micro Journal of Black Film Studies Page
  
  
  • Black Film Center/Archive: Selected Film Clips (Early Black Images) Page
  
  
  • Black Film Center/Archive: Holdings and Collection Information Page
  
  
  • Black Film Center/Archive: New Film Acquisitions Page
  
  
  • The Black Film Center/Archive: Selected List of Film-Related Internet Resources Page See: Organizations and Institutes
  
  

Producers and Distributors
It is mainly the producers and distributors who create the opportunities for the performance of the films of the diaspora filmmakers. While the new technologies allow more filmmakers the opportunity to self-distribute, it is the larger organizations that still provide the the majority of films to theaters and schools and ultimately make them widely available on video. Many of the companies use their websites further their educational opportunities for the scholar and film fan alike. Following are a selection of distributor sites that promote these films; some even use cutting edge technology to get the message out.


• California Newsreel
California Newsreel produces and distributes cutting edge, social justice films that inspire, educate and engage audiences. Founded in 1968, Newsreel is the oldest non-profit, social issue documentary film center in the country, the first to marry media production and contemporary social movements. See especially African American Perspectives and Library of African Cinema. Digital note: online preview of films. Watch clip of Ezra directed by Newton Aduaka.


• Third World Newsreel
Third World Newsreel is an alternative media arts organization that fosters the creation, appreciation and dissemination of independent film and video by and about people of color and social justice issues. It supports the innovative work of diverse forms and genres made by artists who are intimately connected to their subjects through common bonds of ethnic/cultural heritage, class position, gender, sexual orientation and political identification. See especially TWN Workshops.


• ArtMattan Productions
In 1993 ArtMattan Productions launched the first African Diaspora Film Festival. One of the purposes of the festival was that of presenting to New Yorkers a more varied choice of films depicting the human experience of people of color in a context different from the usual museums, cultural centers and universities. The next aim is that of having these films enjoy a theatrical release and be supported by the respectable purchasing power of people of color in the United States of America. See online catalog of films and African Diaspora Film Festival.


• Women Make Movies
Women Make Movies is a multicultural, multiracial, non-profit media arts organization which facilitates the production, promotion, distribution and exhibition of independent films and videotapes by and about women. The organization provides services to both users and makers of film and video programs, with a special emphasis on supporting work by women of color. See for example: Celebrate the Lives of African-American Women.


• National Film Board of Canada
The National Film Board of Canada, Canada’s public film producer and distributor, provides the country and world with a unique perspective, breaking ground in socially engaged documentary, auteur animation, alternative drama and more. Now NFB works to redefine filmmaking in the cross-platform universe – while continuing to give creators the resources and support to fully develop their visions and use cinema to explore vital social issues. See the Across Cultures collections and view the documentary film: Black Mother Black Daughter.


• National Media Market
This is not one company, but a national organization of educators and educational media distributors meet annually to evaluate and purchase motion media, broadcast or digital rights and network. The Market is an opportunity for media professionals who wish to purchase diverse materials for public libraries, universities, media/technology centers and educational broadcasting rights to screen motion media from fifty-five prominent producers and distributors.See NMM Invitation and current NMM Exhibiting Companies list.

Digital Realm & "Online" Video

This section will show some sample resources, allowing viewers to experience some of how both the commercial and non-profit media providers, scholars and film fans have all tried to use digital technology and multi-media to bring the audiovisual work of filmmakers to the viewer in new and innovative ways. Where African and African-American Film Studies can benefit is obvious, but in a large part remains to be implemented. But it has begun.

• Public Broadcasting

Public broadcasting stations and agencies have made use of streaming technology and web-based multi-media to bring some film studies with some African Diaspora content to the desktop.


• Annenberg Media
Annenberg Media uses media and telecommunications to advance teaching in American schools, carried out chiefly by the funding and broad distribution of educational video programs with coordinated Web and print materials for the professional development of K-12 teachers. Annenberg Media's multimedia resources are available to help teachers increase their expertise in their fields and assist them in improving their teaching methods. Many programs are also intended for students in the classroom and viewers at home. Many Annenberg Media programs can be viewed online with a broadband connection. Select view programs tab and try American Cinema, program 10: The Edge of Hollywood by clicking on the "VoD" button. Note: A free sign up is required for first-time users.


• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
The primary "film" content of PBS in diaspora studies is the documentary film. They come to PBS from a network of affiliated channels and independent producers. Many of these programs can be viewed online for a time but very few directly from PBS. They are often streamed by the creator channels or subsequent distributors. And sometimes the digital rights are available for purchase by educational institutions. But when airing on PBS, complex websites are created with previews, transcripts and study guides. One dependable PBS source of relevant content is the POV (Point of View) television series and websites. For an interesting new media variation, see their new "web only" series POV Borders.



• "Social" Collaborations

  While public broadcasting stations and agencies have made use of online video and video on demand to bring some media to the web, film fans, commercial companies and some amateur and professional filmmakers have used digital technology to ingratiate themselves with potential users, sometimes pushing the "public performance" envelope with rights holders. But it is often these sites that allow some African Diaspora content a life outside of the usual distribution structure.
  
  
  • YouTube: Filmmaker Duana Butler Speaks to Young Black Filmmakers
  • YouTube: Opening Scenes From BLACK GIRL (LA NOIRE DE...)
  • YouTube: Ousmane Sembéne at SF International Film Festival
  • YouTube: Oscar Micheaux and Race Movies

• Academic "Offerings"

  Universities and public library systems have made use of "home grown" and commercial server systems to bring their clientèle digital services. Some are able to include film studies, with some African Diaspora content, to the desktop via stream or download. While scholarly and rigorous in intent, it is often expensive in fees and staff time to start.
  
  
  • The Internet Archive
  The Internet Archive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was founded to build an Internet library, with the purpose of offering permanent access for researchers, historians, and scholars to historical collections that exist in digital format. It includes texts, audio, moving images, and software as well as archived web pages in the collections. Theme: "Libraries exist to preserve society's cultural artifacts and to provide access to them. If libraries are to continue to foster education and scholarship in this era of digital technology, it's essential for them to extend those functions into the digital world." See: Internet Archive's Moving Image Archive; browse the Feature Films archive by subject/keyword. For example, see Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955).
  
  
  • The Internet Archive: Open Source Movies
  Users are invited to view or upload their own videos to the Open Source collection. Videos were contributed by Archive users and community members with these videos available for free download. Video providers select a creative commons license during upload. With a creative commons license, providers keep the copyright but allow people to copy and distribute the work provided they give credit — and only on the conditions that are specified.
  
  
  • The University of Maryland Libraries
  The University of Maryland is a public research university, and is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland. The Libraries have multiple Media Collections in multiple libraries, also including the Smith Performing Arts Library. However, the Nonprint Media Services Library is the central audiovisual research and teaching facility for the Libraries and the campus. And it is the main AV contributor to the Libraries' Digital Collections, available through Films@UM. See video In black & white, a documentary film exploring the inception, struggle, suppression, and survival of the Black cinema from the 1920s through the 1950s.
  
  
  • Video On Demand
  Digital performance rights are needed to mount commercial videos online. Universities libraries and other educational institutions can negotiate rights with distributors for synchronous and asynchronous use. Films Media Group distributes the Films for Humanities and Sciences imprint videos. One of the first vendors to consider digital rights, FMG now routinely sells digital rights and are licensing their digital media for access via an online subscription system, FMG On Demand which also includes interesting features for the educational user.(YCFRRZ)
  
  

Filmmakers' Worlds

While the formal digital projects created by educational and commercial institutions are important, the film studies scholar has to rely on the myriad low-end and hybrid sites created on the web by, for, and about filmmakers and films. Discovering these sites and critically viewing and evaluating them will assist the teacher, librarian and scholar in identifying what has and remains to be done. It will also suggest ways to approach US copyright laws to understand the impact of copyright on digital access and performance.

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