Why Is We Americans? - Coming 2/10
Coming Attractions • Documentary
From the Newark Rebellion of 1967 to current day, the city’s narrative has been one of revolution with each generation picking up where the previous had left off. WHY IS WE AMERICANS? weighs in on Newark’s struggle against oppression through the personal triumphs and tragedies of the Baraka family -- from Amiri’s civil rights leadership and ultimate artistic marginalization, to the horrific murder of his sister, Kimako, through the homicide of daughter Shani (one of the first openly gay black activists) to the historic election of Ras Baraka as mayor of Newark, NJ. And through it all, it is the matriarch, Amina Baraka, who emerges as story’s lode star and moral compass. Spanning decades of social activism, poetry, music, art, and politics, this kaleidoscopic family saga is framed by on-camera interviews with Ms. Lauryn Hill, rare archival footage and revealing personal testimonials. As we connect with the iconoclastic poet Amiri Baraka, his wife, Amina, and their son, Ras, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice.
Up Next in Coming Attractions
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Memory House - Coming 2/17
An Indigenous Black man from the rural North of Brazil, moves to an industrialized Southern town to work in a milk factory. Immediately confronted with their virulent racism, he becomes increasingly estranged from the white world.
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Yanagawa - Coming 2/24
At a Japanese restaurant in Beijing, Li Dong convinces his older brother Li Chun to travel to the Japanese city of Yanagawa and seek out his childhood sweetheart Liu Chuan.
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Harvie Krumpet - Coming 2/24
Despite a life filled with bad luck, the ever-optimistic Harvie Krumpet lives his own way and enjoys the small things life has to offer. Narrated by Geoffrey Rush and winner of the 2004 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
