Film Series
Black 90s: A Turning Point in American Cinema
The 1990s witnessed a historic number of films made by African-American directors who forever altered what we thought of “black aesthetics” and who created touchstone works that continue to inspire contemporary filmmakers. Bringing together popular hits and unsung gems, this expansive (though by no means exhaustive) program surveys the rich variety of genres—from indie drama to comedy to romance to noir to queer cinema—upon which black filmmakers left their mark, making crucial strides in a fight for representation that continues today.
Go to the movies just once a month and a BAM membership pays for itself.
Buy 2—4 films and get 10% off your ticket purchase
Buy 5 or more films and get 20% off your ticket purchase
Buy 2—4 films and get 10% off your ticket purchase
Buy 5 or more films and get 20% off your ticket purchase
Poetic realist reflections on black community from master director Charles Burnett.
Zeinabu Irene Davis’ poetic first feature is one of the most innovative films of the 1990s.
Julie Dash’s gorgeous evocation of early-20th century Gullah life.
A beautiful, disturbing Afrocentric interrogation of the past through a contemporary lens.
Leslie Harris’ electrifying cult classic about black teenage dreams and disappointments.
Kasi Lemmons’ Southern Gothic stew of sex, lies, and voodoo plus an Afrocentric fairytale.
Maya Angelou directs this rich evocation of black Southern family life.
Black feminist perspectives on friendship, masculinity, patriotism, and resistance.
A one two punch of black queer power.
New Queer Cinema icon Cheryl Dunye on race, sexuality, and cinematic representation.
Brilliant black queer minds discuss the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality.
An evening to pay tribute to the openly gay poet and activist Essex Hemphill.
“Bye, Felicia.” Ice Cube and Chris Tucker are LA’s most blunted in this stoner classic.
Four black women stick it to society in F. Gary Gray’s propulsive heist thriller.
A sensationally malevolent Wesley Snipes stars in Mario Van Peebles’ Harlem-set showdown.
Nas and DMX in an Alizé-and-mushrooms swirl of millennial Manhattan and dancehall reggae.
A raw slice of Red Hook neorealism from 19-year-old filmmaker Matty Rich.
One of the most shattering cinematic experiences of the 1990s.
The still-potent granddaddy of 90s hood dramas.
An electrifying Tupac stars in this complex, neo-noir moral drama.
A dapper Denzel Washington as Walter Mosley’s 1940s gumshoe.
An appropriately edgy take on a novel by genre-bending black crime writer Chester Himes.
Larenz Tate and Nia Long star in the decade’s ultimate black boho date movie.
Janet Jackson and Tupac shine in this road movie romance featuring poetry by Maya Angelou.
Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett light up this sisters-doing-it-for-themselves classic.
Robert Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans penned this Motown-inspired star-is-born saga.
Wickedly hilarious send ups of gangsta rap machismo and buppie social climbing.
A special one-night event celebrating the impact of black-authored and -focused 90s television.
This 90s instant classic is a hilarious and frank look at the complexities of commitment.
Old school hip-hoppers Kid 'n Play invite you to the dopest house party ever.
The first mainstream animated feature made for black audiences is fresh and funny as ever.
Brilliant women upstage Eddie Murphy in this fresh take on the battle of the sexes farce.
Spike Lee’s overpowering, furious-sad response to the early 90s cycle of hood movies.
Spike Lee’s explosively emotional New York drama of sex, drugs, and interracial romance.
Spike Lee’s vision of 1970s Bed-Stuy is one of the all-time great New York movies.