Film

Looking For Langston

Directed by Isaac Julien

(1989) 42min, DigiBeta

In one of his most important early works, Isaac Julien combines history and fantasy to conjure the world of his artistic and cultural ancestor Langston Hughes during the Harlem Renaissance. “Part narrative, part polemical essay, part lyrical art film, part documentary on Langston Hughes...the results are certainly striking—stylistically, intellectually, and sensually” (Jonathan Rosenbaum).

Tongues Untied

Directed by Marlon Riggs

(1989) 55min, BetaSP

A touchstone of both gay cinema and black cinema, Tongues Untied explores the formation of a black gay cultural identity against the pressures of homophobia, racism, and the AIDS crisis. Unabashedly erotic, Riggs’ celebration of self-acceptance and love became a lightning rod for the culture wars when it crossed over from the festival world to the mainstream with a screening on PBS’ POV.