Films by William Greaves in the Black Film Center/Archive Collection
Ali, the Fighter (1971) - 16mm.
Best of Black Journal (1968-1970), The (1970) - The five part structure of this film focuses primarily on the alignment of modern black artistic expression with its African cultural heritage. "Culture of the South" looks at modern painting, jazz, theater, and dance in light of the history of slavery in New Orleans. "Black Dance," "Modern and African Art," "Black Beauties and Hairstyles" all incorporate the African perspective as the true Black source of freedom and slavery. "Malcolm X" chronicles the leader's rise to power and his impact on society. VHS, 55 min. [Executive Producer]
Black Power in America: Myth or Reality (1986) - The film surveys some of the changes in American society since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. It looks at African American men and women who have achieved power and influence. VHS, 59 min.
Booker T. Washington: The Life and the Legacy (1982) - Using historic photographs for authenticity, this dramatized documentary focuses on Washington's career as the most influential educator of his time. Maurice Woods plays Washington and Al Freeman, Jr. is W.E.B. DuBois. Narrated by Gil Noble. 16mm, 30 min.
Deep North, The (1988) - Three groups discuss problems of racial and ethnic prejudice in their New York communities. VHS, 48 min.
First World Festival of Negro Arts, The (1968) - Discloses the purpose of the First World Festival of Negro Arts held in Dakar as an attempt to create an awareness of Negro art and culture. Surveys the contributions in music, dance, textiles, poetry, sculpture, and painting. VHS, 40 min.
Frederick Douglas: An American Life (1984) - This dramatization of the life of Douglass focuses on the person behind the public figure. Born a slave and entirely self-educated, Douglass played a critical role, as orator, writer, newspaper publisher, editor and political leader, in the struggle for the emancipation of the slaves, and also in the early women's rights movement. VHS, 30 min.
From These Roots (1974) - A narrated montage of black and white photos chronicles the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920's through a description of its social and artistic leaders and major events. 16mm, 28 min.
Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice (1989) - This documentary provides an in-depth examination of the life of journalist Ida B. Wells from her birth in the South to her life as a successful journalist in Chicago. Rare photos and readings from her autobiography help to document her rise as a prominent civil rights leader. VHS, 53 min.
Just Doin' It (A Tale of Two Barbershops) (1988) - The barbershop in the African American neighborhood functions as the location for various discussions pertaining to everything from politics to family planning. VHS, 29 min.
Malcolm X: Nationalist or Humanist? (1967) - This short film analyzes the philosophy of Malcolm X and features an interview with his widow, Betty Shabazz. VHS, 14 min. [Executive Producer]
Nationtime, Gary (1972) - The First National Black Political Convention was held in Gary, Indiana, in 1972. This film documents this historic event, featuring Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, Coretta Scott King, and Amiri Baraka. VHS, 58 min.
Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey (2001) - Narrated by Sidney Poitier, this documentary details the extraordinary life and career of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche, the noted politician and diplomat who became the first person of color to win the Nobel Peace Prize. VHS, 117 min.
Still A Brother: Inside the Negro Middle Class (1968) - A TV documentary dealing with the conflicts of the black middle class. The major conflict is whether or not they should align themselves with members of their race regardless of their class status or whether they should emulate white standards in order to rise in the limited areas provided by the society. Speakers include: Dr. Percy Julian, Julian Bond, St. Clair Drake, among others. Narrated by Ossie Davis. 16mm, 88 min.
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One (1968) - William Greaves' critically acclaimed experimental film begins in New York City's Central Park with a film crew shooting a screen test. However, it soon becomes clear that the film crew is improvising and the director has a secret plan for the direction of this film "outside-of-a-film". Though the film was shot in 1968, Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One did not premeire until 1991 at the Brooklyn Museum. DVD, 75 min.
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take 2 1/2 (2003) - In the unlikeliest of sequels, director William Greaves and a cast of actors reunite 35 years after they made a movie about the making of a movie involving the break-up of a young couple. As in the first installment, "Take 2 1/2" catches on film the frustrations of the actors and crew members as they all struggle to find that symbiopsychotakiplasmic moment. DVD, 99 min.
That's Black Entertainment: The Missing Link of American Cinema History (1989) - In the 1930s and 1940s, an underground film industry sprang up in the black community. Rare and historic movie footage from many forgotten films has been compiled in this tribute to treasures of black cinema. VHS, 60 min.
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