After the Cuban revolution of 1959, cinema became a major component in the socio-political revolution of the Cuban consciousness. Some filmmakers experienced a rise to fame, while the names of other filmmakers are almost forgotten in the public memory. Two years ago, I embarked on research to begin filming Nuestra Cuba (Our Cuba), a documentary that follows the untold stories of the Institute of Cuban Cinematographic Art and Industry’s (ICAIC) first women and Afro-Cuban filmmakers: Sara Gomez and Gloria Rolando.
Paulina Bugembe and Gabrielle Shepard are filmmakers who are joining forces to direct and produce The Homecoming. The film is the story of Andy, a Black woman who is faced with the struggles that come with having a brother (Jackson) who is in and out of prison. “Andy wants nothing more than her family to come together and be her ideal version of happy,” said the filmmakers on their GoFundMe page. “When the family refuses to get on board for Jackson's coming home party from prison, she decides to make it happen on her own while dragging her family kicking and screaming along the way.”
Issa Rae ("Awkward Black Girl") sat down with Director Gina Prince-Bythewood ("Beyond the Lights") and Producer Lena Waithe ("Dear White People") to discuss their newest films as well as their behind-the-scenes experiences. Both the women offered important insight into how they came up film industry as well as their creative processes.
Amma Assante's second feature length film 'Belle' has generated praise since its release in May. The film is much more than a nod to the period pieces Assante enjoyed as a girl. In this Google talk interview, Assante explores the historical context and political implications of the film. It should come as no surprise that Assante proves herself to be extremely knowledgeable about film making as well as the history of the slave trade.
