Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
In the 19th-century Caribbean, a foreign military adviser becomes involved in the struggle for independence against British colonialism on a fictional island. As the rebellion intensifies, the protagonist navigates through various challenges, including political betrayals, street shootouts, and battles for power.
The First Star is a heartwarming comedy about a mixed-race couple who decides to go on a ski vacation with their family. As they navigate the challenges of their relationship and the dynamics of their extended family, they find themselves in hilarious and heartwarming situations. Through laughter and love, they discover the true meaning of family and the importance of embracing differences.
Two socially inept brothers try to find a woman to help them have a baby before their dying father's last wish.
Pinky, an African-American medical doctor, faces racial tension and prejudice in the old South. She navigates interracial love and friendship while dealing with a heart failure patient. As she grapples with the racial identity and confusion, Pinky discovers her own strength and fights against racism.
In an alternate reality where black people dominate society and whites are marginalized, a family man finds himself caught in a web of discrimination, unemployment, and racial tension. Held at gunpoint by his black boss and facing eviction, he seeks revenge by kidnapping his boss's son. This thought-provoking film delves into themes of racism, prejudice, and the consequences of reversing racial roles.
A writer for a pop culture magazine needs to come up with a "killer" story about online dating to save her job. After catching her shackup partner in bed with a bimbo from the marina she is a candidate for a new relationship. Her office buddies convince her to post her own .jpg and get into the cyberdating game. So, will she find a fulfilling relationship via email or could her true love be right under her nose?
In the 60s, the Government encourages Islanders to leave the French West Indies to escape poverty that results from the closure of sugar mills. Lured by the idea of a "dream country", they find life in Europe is not what they had imagined.
During World War I, a group of French colonialists stationed in Africa find themselves involved in a satirical and comedic series of events that highlight the absurdity of war and colonialism. The film explores themes of race, power dynamics, and the impact of war on both individuals and societies.
Caroline Randall Williams, an award-winning writer, cookbook author and restaurateur, travels the United States uncovering the fascinating, essential and often untold black stories behind American food.
Gospel Hill is a drama mystery thriller movie set in a small town in South Carolina. The story revolves around the interwoven lives of its diverse inhabitants and explores themes of race relations, secrets, and redemption. The town's past and present collide when an incident threatens to unearth long-hidden truths. A doctor-patient relationship, an unfaithful wife, a small-town sheriff, and a gospel choir all play a part in this gripping tale.
Ex-slave and former Union soldier Gideon Jackson represents other ex-slaves at the constitutional convention, and is soon elected to the U.S. Senate despite opposition from white landowners, law enforcement and the KKK. He unites with sharecropper Abner Lait, who helps Jackson unite ex-slaves and white tenant farmers.
A mansion forms the backdrop to a spate of murders, and when the spirits lurking within are awakened they bring out some erotic, sensual thrills in the new guests.
Statues Also Die is an essay film that explores the cultural significance and controversial history of African art and statues. It delves into topics such as neocolonialism, post-colonialism, racism, and the impact of art in African society. The film uses unsynchronized sound and a mix of archival footage and interviews to provide a thought-provoking examination of the subject.
A beautiful woman who lives on an island with her abusive husband, entices a young man into a murder-for-money plot.
Sugar Cane Alley is a poignant and heartfelt movie that takes place in a small French Caribbean village during the 1930s. It tells the story of a young boy named Jose, who is raised by his grandmother and struggles to overcome the challenges of poverty and exploitation on a sugar cane plantation. Through his determination and resilience, Jose navigates a world filled with hardship, racial tensions, and limited opportunities. Along the way, he experiences the power of education, friendship, and the strength of his community. This autobiographical film explores themes of inequality, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life.
Also known as The Sinner on UK VHS, this one could almost be mistaken for a D'Amato Black Emanuelle film (as well as Jess Franco who also had a film with the same video title). The Italian title translates as The Moon-Skinned Girl, a reference to the amazingly attractive Zeudi Araya, who made two other films with the same director. As a film it really typifies the 'eurotika' of the 1970s - the story concerns a couple with marital problems who escape to the Seychelles and the husband meets - and has an affair with - the title character. The wife meanwhile meets an ex-pat living there (Giacomo Rossi-Stuart!) with whom she has a fling. The couple realise their love for each other and return home stronger for it.
The Symbol of the Unconquered tells the story of an interracial relationship amidst racism and the Ku Klux Klan. Set in an era of segregation, the film explores the struggles faced by the couple as they navigate the challenges of love, hate crimes, and the complex dynamics of black-white relations. With a backdrop of racial issues, oil, and mixed-race children, the film sheds light on the deep-rooted racial tensions and the resilience of love in the face of adversity.
Detective Joe Cashin finds himself investigating a murder in a small Australian coastal town. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers secrets and corruption that threaten to tear the community apart.
When her sister suddenly vanishes, a young girl sets out to find her, desperately searching the internet for clues. Joining her is an ex-CIA agent, who uncovers fragments of online chats the missing girl had with a softcore pornographer.