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Oscar Micheaux, Body and Soul, 1925 (still); photo: courtesy of Photofest

Film

Body and Soul

Thursday, July 12, 2018

6 p.m.

Introduced by Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky)

Body and Soul is a masterpiece of the silent screen era, written, directed, and produced by prolific director Oscar Micheaux. In this good versus bad twin melodrama, Robeson plays both an escaped convict posing as a minister, and the convict’s honest, yet penniless brother. A true pioneer, Micheaux and his’s films answered the challenges of racial segregation and provided black moviegoers with an alternative to the mainstream films being produced by a segregated Hollywood. It is estimated that Micheaux, who was the first African American to produce a feature length film, wrote, produced, and directed more than 40 films from 1919 to 1948. His movies, known as “race” films, were made by Black filmmakers, featured an all-Black cast, and were intended for Black audiences.

Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky is a composer, multimedia artist, and writer whose work immerses audiences in a blend of genres, global culture, and environmental and social issues. Miller has collaborated with a vast array of recording artists, ranging from Metallica to Chuck D, and Steve Reich to Yoko Ono.

This screening includes a contemporary version of the score by Paul D. Miller.


Film Details

Country: USA
Language: English
Year: 1925
Running time: 93 min
Format: DCP
Director: Oscar Michaeux
Screenwriter: Oscar Michaeux
Producer: Oscar Michaeux
Source: KinoLorber


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.