
The plight of the African American Deaf community is put under the spotlight in this moving and ambitious landmark of independent cinema.
Zeinabu irene Davis’ remarkable film showcases empathetic dual performances from Michelle A. Banks and John Earl Jelks. It begins in 1910 with Banks and Jelks portraying Chicago couple Malindy, a dressmaker, and Arthur, a migrant from Mississippi.
Some eighty years later, the same actors portray Chicago dwellers Malaika, a graphic artist, and Nico, a children’s librarian. In presenting these parallel love stories, Davis collapses our temporal understanding and unifies these disparate individuals via their collective struggles with deafness.
The director’s approach utilises archival photography and a multifaceted hybrid soundtrack that encompasses ragtime and traditional African rhythms. The cumulative effect is a spellbinding ode to the ongoing struggles of a marginalised community.
Davis has personally approved the film’s new 4K digital restoration, undertaken by The Criterion Collection, The UCLA Film and Television Archive, and Wimmin with a Mission Productions in conjunction with The Sundance Institute from a scan of the 16mm original camera negative. Newly created open captions have been implemented, designed by Alison O’Daniel collaboration with the Compensation Caption Creative Team.
Presented in partnership with South West Silents.
With a pre-recorded introduction by director Zeinabu irene Davis and an in person introduction by film writer and historian Pamela Hutchinson. With BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation.
-
Special offers:
Booking for more than 10 events/screenings?
Buy a Cinema Rediscovered Festival Pass (£120 full / £100 concessions / £80 24 and under) and select your tickets for as many of the 80+ screenings and events during the festival as you want.
Booking for between 4 to 10 events/screenings?
Multi-Ticket Package Offer: get 20% off the regular ticket price when you book 4-10 Cinema Rediscovered screenings and/or events. The discount will automatically apply when you add the tickets to your basket.
Club Shed members get 20% off all individual Cinema Rediscovered tickets.