Survey of African and African Diaspora Cinema

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There is a connection between culture and the movies we watch. Cinema is everywhere and it influences and reflects how we understand the world. Survey of African and African Diaspora Cinema offers both a survey of and a historical context for understanding films about African and African Diaspora Cinema. Written as a review of theoretical positions, histories, and summaries from some of the top film academicians and from others involved in filmic production, key concepts are introduced contextualizing black cinema development and the participation of black people within its industry. The films discussed are placed within a framework that tries to explain why and how.

Cinemas from Nigeria and Senegal, from England and France, the Caribbean, South America, and the United States are explored. The films serve to materialize ideas about race, class, gender, social relationships, stereotyping, and other topics. Films that are part of the body of well-known filmic tradition will be introduced and newer ones identified.

This is important, because filmic representations are part of our larger understanding of people, histories, and how we perceive. It matters because we have the ability to be sophisticated about understanding what we see rather than assuming it is all a simple part of a natural process that can’t be critiqued and understood. Without deeper examination, we do not understand nuances, or the culture/history associated with meanings of the images. Knowing about film makes our appreciation of black film richer and more enjoyable.

Weaved within Survey of African and African Diaspora Cinema are ideas about Pan-Africanism and post-colonialism. The objective of this publication is to present a basic foundation. Readers will gain a perspective allowing them to connect Africa and African diaspora films with a body of critique and history. Readers will also learn to see symbolic meaning, particularly indigenous cultural sensibilities, as crucial to comprehending film.