Black Life and Mass Culture Film Series
Curated by Cedric Johnson, Associate Professor of African-American Studies
Fulfills course requirements for AAST 258: Race and Urban Life.
The Warriors/ March 12, 2018/ AACC Gallery
A turf battle between New York City street gangs that rages from Coney Island to the Bronx. The Warriors are mistakenly fingered for the killing of a gang leader. Soon they have every gang in the city out to get revenge and they must make their way across the city to their own turf.
Wild Style/ March 19, 2018/ AACC Gallery
This docudrama celebrates the colorful lives of teens who live in the South Bronx. There they are seen break dancing, creating graffiti art, and listening to raucous rap. The slim story centers on Zoro, who likes to spray-paint subway cars. He gets his big break when he is hired to decorate a platform for an upcoming rap concert.
Krush Groove/ April 9, 2018/ AACC Gallery
In this movie based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings, up and coming manager Russell Walker manages all the hot-test acts on the record label Krush Groove Records, which include Run DMC, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow, while Rick produces the label’s records. When Run DMC has a hit record and Russell doesn’t have the money to press records, he borrows cash from a street hustler. At the same time, Russell and his brother Run both compete for the heart of a R&B singer.
Menace II Society/ April 23, 2018/ AACC Gallery
After growing up in the gang lifestyle of the Los Angeles projects, 18 year old Caine Lawson wants a way out. Everybody around him, including his unpredictable friend O-Dog, is trapped in their lives of crime and violence. With the help of his caring teacher and supportive girlfriend, Caine plans to leave the city for good. But in a series of tragic events, he realizes that escape will not be easy.