Miami Jazz Society Film Series
Tuesday, 12/11/2012, 06:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Miami Tower
100 SE 2nd St,
Miami, Florida 33131
Webpage Link
Black Magic –
Examines Civil Rights-era America through the prism of basketball at historically black colleges and universities. At its heart, Black Magic is a civil rights movie and Klores uses brutal footage to show the history of American discrimination and violence against blacks in all aspects of their lives. These civil rights pioneers and sports stars tells us their heart-wrenching stories of violence, prejudice and poverty living in the Jim Crow South. Klores also reminds us that racism and oppression wasn’t just limited to the South. Their tales are funny, sad, and inspiring. Some players overcome their humble beginnings and have successful careers despite discrimination, others aren’t as lucky. Klores is a wonderful story-teller. He weaves rare footage with personal testimonies and hits the archives to show us documents and photos that give us the insider’s view of this world. Narrators Samuel L. Jackson and Wynton Marsalis help frame the story and illuminate the racist historical context. Their passion for the topic shines throughout the film. (Documentary)
Red Tails –
The 332nd Fighter Group, an all-black World War II unit made up of the best escort pilots and known as the Red Tails, fights racism at home while fighting the Nazis abroad in this action-packed drama based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen. The movie also looks a little bit at the men, as individuals. We get to know some of their strengths, weakness, dreams. One doesn’t follow directions, and is highly aggressive fighter. One is captured by the Germans. One drinks whiskey. A couple die, due to combat injuries. One is badly injured, and sent home. The pilots finally get a more responsible assignment, do well, and then are given more responsible assignments. The end of the movie is the unit getting recognition for a job well done. (Action/Adventure/Drama/History/War)
