Free Film Screenings Showcase the Juxtaposition of Black Cinema and American Social Justice
Discussions with prominent community leaders to follow films
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (February 18, 2016) — In celebration of African American History Month, the Muhammad Ali Center has hosted a month-long series: the Black Film Festival. Of the seven, only three film screenings remain this month, followed by discussions with a prominent community leader chosen to highlight the commentary on specific social justice issues and cultural significance. Doors to the Center’s auditorium open 30 minutes prior to the start of each film. While the films are free, reservations are required.
Saturday, February 20th at 1:00 p.m. – The Wiz
When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she’s miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she’s joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross). View the trailer here. RSVP for the film here.
Tuesday, February 23rd at 6:00 p.m. – Do the Right Thing
Salvatore “Sal” Fragione (Danny Aiello) is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria’s Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin’ Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin’ Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise. View the trailer here. RSVP for the film here.
Discussion leader: Former Councilwoman Attica Scott
Monday, February 29th at 6:00 p.m. – Shaft
John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) is the ultimate in suave black detectives. He first finds himself up against Bumpy (Moses Gunn), the leader of the black crime mob, then against black nationals, and finally working with both against the white mafia who are trying to blackmail Bumpy by kidnapping his daughter. View the trailer here. RSVP for the film here.
Discussion leader: TBD
ABOUT THE MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER
The Muhammad Ali Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, was co-founded by Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The international cultural center promotes the six core principles of Muhammad Ali (Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality) in ways that inspire personal and global greatness and provides programming and events around the focus areas of education, gender equity, and global citizenship. Its newest initiative, Generation Ali, fosters a new generation of leaders to contribute positively to their communities and to change the world for the better. The Center’s headquarters also contains an award-winning museum experience. For more information, please visit www.alicenter.org