23rd Annual Black Film Festival
Published on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - 8:56pm
In recognition of Black History Month 2012, the DC Public Library presents its 23rd Annual Black Film Festival Tuesdays at 3 p.m., at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, in Auditorium A-5. This year, the films highlight the theme for Black History Month, "Black Women in American Culture and History," established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This year's festival highlights films starring the African-American actresses Dorothy Dandridge, Juanita Moore and Ethel Waters. If you are interested in learning more about African-American actresses or African-Americans in cinema, please consult the DC Public Library catalog for additional resources.
February 7 Bright Road
Moving drama starring Dorothy Dandridge as a dedicated school teacher.
Also starring Harry Belafonte.
Directed by Gerald Meyer.
68 mins. ©1953
February 14 Malaga
Dorothy Dandridge’s final role, as a world weary drifter.
Also starring Trevor Howard.
Directed by Laslo Benedek.
97 mins. ©1960, rated PG
February 21 Imitation of Life
Tear-jerker based on Fannie Hurst’s novel of an actress (Lana Turner) and her long-suffering maid (Juanita Moore).
Directed by Douglas Sirk.
125 mins. ©1959 PG
February 28 The Member of the Wedding
Coming of age story about a 12-year-old tomboy, played by Julie Harris.
Based on the novel by Carson McCullers and starring Ethel Waters.
Directed by Fred Zinnemann.
93 mins. ©1952 PG
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. N.W., 202-727-1295