Brooklyn's BAM Rose Cinemas will present Afro-Punk Weekend from July 1-4. The program is co-presented with the creators of "Afro-Punk," and co-curated by director James Spooner. During the weekend festival, BAM and Afro-Punk's creators will host an Afro-Punk Community Lounge, featuring community and student art, videos, and much more. A Q&A with Spooner will take place on Friday, July 1 after a screening of his film at 6:50 p.m. and will be followed by a free live music performance in the BAMcafe.
Fri., July 1 at 2 p.m.
Sun., July 3 at 9:15 p.m.
"The Spook Who Sat by the Door" (1973) 102 min.
Directed by Ivan Dixon
Lawrence Cook plays the only black operative in the CIA; ridiculed by his peers, he quits the agency to put his military training to use in the streets. Extremely controversial upon release, the film poses serious questions about how to affect change, all within the context of a kick-ass 70s action flick.
With "Hairpiece: A Film for Nappy Headed People" (1984) 10 min.
Directed by Ayoka Chenzira
This is an animated satire about how a woman's hair affects her social status.
Fri., July 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Sat., July 2 at 9:15 p.m.
"Downtown 81" (1981) + three shorts 104 min.
Directed by Edo Bertoglio
Jean Michel Basquiat plays himself in this film about a homeless street artist in the East Village wandering into bars and punk rock clubs. On the way he encounters a who's who of the downtown music and art scene in 1980 New York.
With "My Picture in the Movies...Baby," "Rock for Light," and "Re-Ignition"
Directed by Nicola Lanzenberg
This trio of films features Bad Brains in concert, including a performance at CBGBs in 1980.
Friday, July 1 at 6:50 p.m.*
Saturday, July 2 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 3 at 6:50 p.m.
Monday, July 4 at 6:50 p.m.
"Afro-Punk" (2003) 65 min.
Directed by James Spooner
Channeling the raw sound of punk rock rebellion, Afro-Punk explores race identity within the punk scene. The documentary tackles hard issues such as loneliness, exile, interracial dating, and black power. Cutting between interviews and live concert footage, the film follows the lives of four people who have dedicated themselves to the punk rock lifestyle.
With "Cry For Jazz" (1959) 35 min.
Directed by Edward O. Bland
This is a cinematic essay on the nature of jazz and its eventual death, featuring the only known footage of Sun Ra in his Chicago days. The film is partly based in part on the book The Fruits of the Death of Jazz by the film's director Edward O. Bland. Offering an essential critique of music rooted in black culture and the way whites have related to it, the film is poignant as it asks the same questions of Jazz that many ask of Hip Hop today.
*A Q&A with director James Spooner will take place on Friday, July 1 at 6:50 p.m. and will be followed by a free live music performance in the BAMcafe.
Friday, July 1 at 9:30 p.m.
Monday, July 4 at 2 p.m.
"Wilmington 10, USA 10,000" (1979) 120 min.
Directed by Haile Gerima
A highly acclaimed documentary about the incendiary "Wilmington Ten," nine black men and one white woman imprisoned in North Carolina. This film focuses on the "Ten" themselves during their incarceration as well as on their families, neighbors, and other political prisoners such as Assata Shakur.
Saturday, July 2 at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 3 at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
"Wattstax" (1973) 98 min.
Directed by Mel Stuart
Staged as a massive day-long concert in 1972 after the Watts riots, Stax brought out the stars for this show, including Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, and Rufus Thomas. But what elevates the movie to greatness is live-wire Richard Pryor, the musicians' interactions with the audience ("Yeah, he's a brother all right, but I'll be damned if he's my brother..."), and the awe-inspiring round of "I Am Somebody."
Saturday, July 2 at 6:50 p.m.
"Child of Resistance" (1972) 57 min.
Directed by Haile Gerima
Gerima's first feature-length film, inspired by a dream about Angela Davis, is about a black woman incarcerated "not for any crime...unconditionally." This loose, experimental film showcases Gerima's early style.
With shorts:
"Perfect Film" (1985) 21 min.
Directed by Ken Jacobs
This experimental work is structured around outtakes from TV news footage after the assassination of Malcolm X.
"Now" (1965) 6 min.
Directed by Santiago Alvarez
Set to a Lena Horne song that was banned in America, Now includes found and pirated newsreel footage that creates an intensely emotional commentary on racism.
Sunday, July 3 at 2 p.m.
"Black Is, Black Ain't" (1994) 87 min.
Directed by Marlon Riggs
"Black Is, Black Ain't" addresses notions of what it means to be black today. Using witty segments entitled "What Is Black," "Too Black," and "Not Black Enough;" interviews with important figures such as Cornel West and Angela Davis; and clips of the director's own battle with AIDS, Riggs shapes the film into a sobering, yet heartfelt plea for tolerance.
Monday, July 4 at 4:30 p.m.
"The Murder of Fred Hampton" (1971) 88 min.
Directed by Howard Alk
This film broke open new revelations about the murder of Black Panthers leader Hampton and helped implicate the Chicago Police department in the killing. It also ignited a new generation with powerful footage of Hampton, who prophetically proclaimed "I am a revolutionary... I believe I will be able to die as a revolutionary."
With "Off the Pig" (1968) 15 min.
Directed by a filmmaker's collective in the 60s and designed to spark political action, this film features rare, uncensored interviews with members of the Black Panther party.
