CULTURAL FILM SERIES
This year’s film series will feature the work of African and African American Filmmakers.
Films are screened in the Cinema of the Connelly Center on Villanova’s campus on Sundays at 3:30 and 7 p.m. and Monday evenings at 7 p.m.
The speakers, who introduce the film and lead a discussion after the screening, are only present for the Monday evening screenings. As always, all screenings are free and open to the public.
For more information, email Dr. John O’Leary or call (610) 519-4454.
SPRING 2024
USA, 2021 - 118 minutes
Directed by Questlove
This documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African American music and culture is, “sonically flawless, authentically textured and deep-rooted in cultural significance” says Whelan Barzey of Empire Magazine.
Speaker: Derek Arnold
USA, 2013 - 134 minutes
Directed by Steve McQueen
This film about the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted and sold into slavery, “speaks to the courage and resilience of one man, the savagery of many, and the potential, for both good and for ill, in us all” says Steven Rea of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Speaker: John Paul Spiro
Mali, 1987 - 105 minutes
Directed by Souleymane Cissé
This film follows a young man with magical powers who journeys to his uncle to request help in fighting his sorcerer father. Cissé’s “grandly imaginative visual artistry renders the magical world concrete,” says Richard Brody of The New Yorker.
Speaker: Tania Romero
USA, 1972 - 93 minutes
Directed by William Crain
An 18th century African prince, turned into a vampire by Dracula, finds himself in modern day Los Angeles. This smart and enjoyable horror film made important creative contributions to the portrayal of the Black vampire.
Speaker: Rick Worland
All films are screened at the Connelly Center Cinema. Parking available in the St. Augustine (M2) lot behind the Connelly Center.
CULTURAL FILM SERIES COMMITTEE
JOHN O’LEARY, Director
JARRYD KAINZ, Assistant Director
J.J. BROWN, Treasurer
TONY ALFANO, Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services
ADVISORS
DAN JEFFERSON
JOAN D. LYNCH
SUSAN MARCOSSON
JOHN PAUL SPIRO
ELANA ROSE STARR