Afro Promo
“Black Cinema Trailers 1946-76”
Storyline
Co-curated by Jenni Olson and the late Black gay activist Karl Knapper, this entertaining showcase of vintage movie trailers traces the evolution of African American cinema through its most crucial period, 1952-1976. Filled with insights on race and social dynamics, this fascinating compendium of coming attractions explores an extensive range of stylistic approaches—Blaxploitation, Comedy, Music Bio, Plantation Drama and more—offering an outrageous joyride through motion picture history. Beyond mere camp, these marvelously condensed gems crystallize a range of African American identities and personalities, tracking the meteoric careers of Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, Pam Grier and others through their bold performances in movies both hugely popular and practically forgotten. Afro Promo provides a compact glimpse at the representation of African Americans through twenty-five dynamic years of American cinema history.
Cast & Crew
Sidney Poitier
Self (archive footage)
Lead
James Earl Jones
Self (archive footage)
Billy Dee Williams
Self (archive footage)
Richard Pryor
Self (archive footage)
Pam Grier
Self (archive footage)
What People Are Saying
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Jenni Olson's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
“Every frame feels alive. Afro Promo is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
