Ethnic Notions. 1986. Directed by Marlon Riggs

Film

No upcoming events

Preceded by Lip. 1999. Directed by Tracey Moffat, Gary Hillberg

Ethnic Notions. 1986. USA. Directed by Marlon Riggs. Courtesy California Newsreel

Ethnic Notions. 1986. USA. Directed by Marlon Riggs. 57 min.

This Emmy Award–winning documentary takes viewers on a disturbing tour through American history, exploring the deep-rooted, dehumanizing stereotypes that have flourished in film and fueled anti-black prejudice in society. The horror of the imagery on show—loyal Toms, carefree sambos, faithful mammies, grinning coons, savage brutes, and wide-eyed pickaninnies—is counterbalanced by Riggs’s calm, sober style. Courtesy California Newsreel. DCP.

Lip. 1999. Australia. Directed by Tracey Moffat, Gary Hillberg. 10 min.

This sharp, uplifting short pulls from the archives some precious moments when movie maids and mammies, so often silent figures, snapped back with wit and spirit. DCP.

This film accompanies Making Faces on Film: A Collaboration with BFI Black Star.

Past events

Tue, Apr 25, 2017, 7:00 p.m.

MoMA, Floor T1, Theater 1

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 1
Sat, Apr 22, 2017, 4:00 p.m.

Introduced by Ashley Clark

MoMA, Floor T2, Theater 2

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2

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