Mahogany

Introduced by Honey Mahogany

This 1975 cult film stars Diana Ross as an
aspiring clothing designer from Chicago who rises from a shop girl romanced by a
local activist (Billy Dee Williams) to fame in Rome’s fashion world. Amidst the
glamorous backdrop of haute couture, this rags-to-riches story explores themes
of finding love and success while maintaining a responsibility to the self and
finding your place in the world. As Billy Dee’s character tells Mahogany: “Success means nothing unless you have someone to share it with!”

Honey Mahogany is an international drag performer, prolific performer, popular MC, and budding recording artist. Mahogany gained fame as a cast member on season 5 of the reality television show and cult phenomenon, RuPaul’s Drag Race and has since made appearances on America’s Got Talent, American X-Factor, Logo TV’s NewNowNext Awards, and HBO’s Looking.

Film Details

Country: USA
Language: English
Year: 1975
Running time: 109 min
Format: 35mm
Director: Berry Gordy
Screenwriters: John Byrum
Producer: Jack Ballard and Rob Cohen
Cinematographer: David Watkin
Editor: Peter Zinner
Source: Swank; screens courtesy University of North Carolina, School of the Arts

Films and schedules may be subject to change.

Modern Cinema’s Founding Supporters are Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein. Generous support is provided by Nion McEvoy and the Susan Wildberg Morgenstein Fund.

Community support for Black Powers: Reframing Hollywood is provided by the Museum of the African Diaspora.