Spencer Williams' The Blood of Jesus
Spencer Williams and The Blood of Jesus
Spencer Williams and The Blood of Jesus
“A masterpiece of folk cinema that has scarcely lost its power to astonish.” – Village Voice, March 2008
Spencer Williams (1893–1969) was among the very first African American independent filmmakers, and his great cultural morality tale, The Blood of Jesus (1941, 57 min.), is a landmark of American cinema. Still known primarily as a radio and screen actor (Andy in Amos ’n’ Andy), Williams made more than a dozen films with all-black casts. He traveled the South to show his work in church basements, and The Blood of Jesus was a huge hit with African American audiences for years. A story of sin and redemption, the film’s vivid depiction of spiritualism and folk beliefs has a power that few big-budget movies have ever achieved. Scholar Jacqueline Stewart, who is preparing a biography of Williams, introduces the work.
In person: Jacqueline Stewart
Date/Time | G | M/ST | CA |
---|---|---|---|
MON 4/27 8:30 pm | $11 | $8 | $6 |
G - General Audience
M - REDCAT Members
ST - Students
CA - CalArts Students/Faculty/Staff