Riverbend

Reelblack Renaissance re-releases Sam Firstenberg’s (American Ninja) action-drama Riverbend in a brand new 6K restoration. Fugitives from an unjust military court-martial, Black Vietnam soldiers Samuel Quinton (James), Tony Marx (Tennon), and Butch Turner (Morris) seek refuge in the remote town of Riverbend, Georgia. When they discover that Riverbend’s Black residents live under the thumb of an oppressive sheriff (Frank), the soldiers join forces with the townspeople to fight back. Originally released on VHS in 1989 and long obscured from view, the film has since been rediscovered as a vital story of Black resistance. We’re thrilled to screen this long-lost, action-packed classic for the world premiere of the new restoration!

Followed by a Q&A with director Sam Firstenberg, actors Vanessa Tate and Alex Morris, and Reelblack founder Michael Dennis—moderated by Melissa Lyde of Alfreda’s Cinema.