Film Series
Race, Sex & Cinema: The World of Marlon Riggs
An artist of extraordinary courage and vision, Marlon Riggs (1957–1994) gave cinematic voice to gay black men at a time in America when to be either was to be denied one’s full humanity. Defying the culture of silence and shame that pervaded the era of the AIDS crisis, Riggs created vibrantly expressive, innovative works that broke down the divide between documentary and personal essay to explore issues of race, sexuality, identity, and representation. When he became a lightning rod for controversy in the conservative culture wars of the 1980s and early 1990s, Riggs remained unbowed even as his health failed, working tirelessly to bring the richness of the queer African-American experience to the screen. Twenty-five years after his death, his voice remains vital, as seen in this complete retrospective which brings together all of Riggs’ films alongside those of his contemporaries, key influences, and those whom he in turn inspired and who carry on his legacy. Special thanks to program advisor Vivian Kleiman
“Black men loving black men is the revolutionary act.”
An unflinching, essential look at the history and legacy of black stereotypes.
A provocative deconstruction of black representation in the age of primetime television.
Riggs’ final film is a moving call for communion among black Americans.
Bold, stylistically audacious statements of black gay love and desire.
Barry Jenkins’ instant classic Oscar winner and Riggs’ poetic ode to black gay liberation.
Powerful, poetic celebrations of the love and humanity of black, gay, HIV-positive men.
Rare portraits of the transformative writer and thinker in London, Istanbul, and Paris.
Documentary as personal exploration in works by Lourdes Portillo and Trinh T. Minh-ha.
A drama about the struggles and courage of gay black artists from the 1920s to today.
Poignant and perceptive portraits of lesbian adolescence.
Vibrant, innovative works by contemporary black and queer filmmakers.