This film is literally alive. More people should steal from Greaves, and I wish more people documented black history in this richly intense way. So glad this document exists.
Directed by William Greaves
A grounded, critically acclaimed documentary.
"This documentary film covers a 24-day arts festival in Dakar, Senegal that highlighted Black contributions to the cultural heritage of mankind and was attended by an extraordinary cast of over 2,000 luminaries - including Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Alvin Ailey, Aime Cesaire, and Leopold Senghor - from dozens of countries. The film depicts performances by African and American entertainers and shows various works of art while also providing unparalleled insight from the perspective of the African American delegation. The film was written and directed by William Greaves" (US National Archives).
The First World Festival of Negro Arts is showing in 1 cinema in New York City - next screening Tuesday 27 October at 13:00 at Film Forum.
Next screenings: Tuesday 27 October.
Full schedule
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This film is literally alive. More people should steal from Greaves, and I wish more people documented black history in this richly intense way. So glad this document exists.
Man, nothing beats the vibrant, frenetic, energy of a William Greaves documentary. The festival literally explodes off the screen.
Beautiful documentation but I wonder if it's possible to not just voyeuristically enjoy these black arts put up for show?
It is a documentary film covering a landmark 24-day arts festival held in Dakar, Senegal in 1966 celebrating global Black cultural contributions.
The film was written and directed by William Greaves in 1966.
The festival documented in the film took place in Dakar, Senegal.
