Female Film Critics 24/375
The documentary Why Is We Americans? asks critical questions related to Black identity, specifically that of the socially activist and artistic Baraka family of Newark, New Jersey. Through a fast-paced, energetic delivery, director Udi Aloni interweaves archival footage and photographs from the 1960s with a diverse selection of contemporary interviews, headlined by poet Amiri Baraka and matriarch Amina Baraka,
Read more
The documentary Why Is We Americans? bursts with ambition, much like the dynamic Newark, New Jersey family at its core. Taking its title from one of its patriarch’s poems, the film pays tribute to 1960s Black Arts poet, playwright, and civil rights activist Amiri Baraka. It also connects the influence of the late Baraka and his wife, poet and writer Amina Baraka, on their children, particularly son Ras J. Baraka, who has been Newark’s mayor since 2014.
Read more
Melissa Haizlip’s documentary, Mr. SOUL! mines a treasury of archival material to illustrate the scope and range of the legendary African American television show that was the focal point of Black culture from 1968-73. The film is also a tribute to SOUL!’s influential producer, Ellis Haizlip, Melissa Haizlip’s uncle.
Read more
I knew nothing about Soul! or the estimable Ellis Haizlip before watching this documentary. I am so happy to have been introduced to both, and I hope that one day soon a show as intelligent, exciting, and unapologetic as Soul! was will return to the airwaves. Meanwhile, I’m very glad we have this documentary.
Read more
The documentary vividly illustrates how many of the same issues Blacks fought to overcome during the 1960s and 1970s–like systemic racism and economic injustice–are still being addressed today. Nationtime, Gary is a stark reminder of how important it is for African Americans to not only document and preserve black history, but to never forget the journey and sacrifice that goes along with it.
Read more