Roots: The Next Generations is a TV mini-series that chronicles the lives of the descendants of African-American slaves after the American Civil War. The story explores themes of racial discrimination, interracial relationships, and the struggles faced by African-Americans in various historical periods.
Cadillac Records is a biographical drama that tells the story of the rise and fall of the legendary blues record label Chess Records, focusing on the relationships between its founder Leonard Chess, his artists, and the turbulent times that shaped their music.
In the midst of the Great Depression, a family from Oklahoma migrates to California to find work and a better life. They face numerous challenges and hardships as they struggle to survive and maintain their dignity.
The Jerk follows the story of Navin Johnson, a man who was adopted by a poor black family and grows up to be an extremely dumb and naive person. After leaving home and hitchhiking across the country, Navin finds himself in various absurd and comedic situations, eventually becoming a millionaire and losing it all.
In a small southern town, a newcomer stokes the flames of an already heated family dynamic, leading to secrets, seduction, and arson. As the summer temperatures rise, so does the tension, threatening to consume both the town and the people within it.
Set in the Mississippi Delta during the Jim Crow era, Mudbound tells the story of two World War II veterans who return home to work on a farm. The film explores themes of racism, family, and the lasting effects of war. As tensions rise, the characters navigate the complexities of their relationships, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
Happy as Lazzaro tells the story of a young peasant named Lazzaro who lives in an isolated village that is stuck in the past. When Lazzaro befriends the young nobleman Tancredi, he is introduced to a world beyond his own and becomes entangled in a complex scheme involving fake kidnappings and modern slavery. As the story unfolds, Lazzaro's naivety and pure heart navigate him through the harsh realities of the modern world.
The Southerner follows the journey of a family as they try to make a living in the countryside, encountering various challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, and natural disasters. Along the way, they must also navigate relationships and cope with the death of a loved one. Set against the backdrop of cotton farming, the film highlights the harsh realities faced by farmers and migrant workers.
Within Our Gates is a silent drama film that tells the story of Sylvia Landry, a young black woman who works tirelessly to raise funds for a school in the deep South. Along the way, she must navigate racism, bigotry, and violence as she tries to make a difference in the lives of those around her.
Stars in My Crown tells the story of a minister who brings hope and healing to a small Southern town through his faith and kindness. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the film explores themes of racism, faith versus science, and community life. With the help of his adopted son, a doctor, and his loyal dog, the minister faces challenges such as typhoid fever and contaminated water, while also contending with a lynch mob and land rights disputes. Through it all, he maintains his belief in the power of love and compassion.
Set in 1930s Louisiana during the Great Depression, Sounder tells the story of a young boy and his loyal dog, Sounder. The boy's father is convicted of stealing food for their family and is sent to a prison camp. The boy, his mother, and Sounder go on a journey to find the father and face various hardships along the way. It is a touching tale of family relationships, resilience, and the bond between a boy and his dog.
A charismatic politician rises to power in a small southern town, only to face corruption, scandal, and political turmoil.
Between Heaven and Hell is a war drama that takes place during World War II. The film follows the journey of a soldier who faces the horrors of war, deals with post-traumatic stress disorder, and forms unlikely friendships. It explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the impact of war on individuals. The story is set in the Philippines in 1945 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Tobacco Road is a comedic drama set in rural Georgia, revolving around a family's struggles to survive amidst poverty and a pending eviction. The story follows their quirky and sometimes reckless antics as they navigate various challenges, including sin, hiding, and a race against time. With a mix of southern gothic elements and heartwarming moments, this film offers a unique portrayal of life in the backwoods.
Murder in Coweta County is based on the true story of an elderly white landowner and a wealthy African-American businessman who clashed in the 1940s in a rural Georgia town. The wealthy businessman was ultimately murdered, and his killer was brought to justice in a historic murder trial.
In 'Hallelujah', a preacher struggles with temptation and redemption while facing challenges such as crime, gambling, and personal relationships. This drama/musical movie explores themes of faith, love, and forgiveness.
In this pre-code film, a bookkeeper named Marvin confronts the social injustices and poverty in the American South. He becomes involved in a romantic rivalry between a rich girl and a cotton picker, leading to a culture clash and a confrontation with a lynch mob. The film explores themes of social commentary, sexual melodrama, and racial tension in the southern USA.
The movie portrays the life of Jane Pittman, an African-American woman who survives slavery and witnesses major events in American history, including the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Through a series of interviews with a journalist, she shares her experiences and struggles with racism and discrimination in the Deep South.
By the start of World War II, Paul Robeson had given up his lucrative mainstream work to participate in more socially progressive film and stage productions. Robeson committed his support to Paul Strand and Leo Hurwitz’s political semidocumentary Native Land. With Robeson’s narration and songs, this beautifully shot and edited film exposes violations of Americans’ civil liberties and is a call to action for exploited workers around the country. Scarcely shown since its debut, Native Land represents Robeson’s shift from narrative cinema to the leftist documentaries that would define the final chapter of his controversial film career.
In the Po Valley during the 19th century, a rich girl engaged to a well-to-do farmer ends up penniless and is forced to work for her fiancé’s relatives. Peasant unrest, carried to extremes by both workers and landowners, leads to violence and tragedy.