Event

Beah: A Black Woman Speaks

BEAH: A BLACK WOMAN SPEAKS, the directorial debut of actress LisaGay Hamilton, celebrates the life of legendary African American actress, poet and political activist Beah Richards, best known for her Oscar nominated role in GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER. While Richards struggled to overcome racial stereotypes throughout her long career onstage and onscreen in Hollywood and New York, she also had an influential role in the fight for Civil Rights, working alongside the likes of Paul Robeson, W.E.B. DuBois and Louise Patterson.

After performing with Richards in Jonathan Demme's Beloved, Hamilton was compelled to get her inspiring story on film, and began the project with Demme as co-producer. Hamiltons intimate interviews capture Richards feisty passion and enduring elegance, and are woven together with a cache of archival material of her work as an actress and activist, including riveting performances of some of her most famous poems. Enlightening and moving, the film is a fitting tribute to Richards life of integrity, leadership and service to the two cultures she loved so deeplythe arts and the African American community.

a record of the graceful, seemingly indomitable actor Beah Richards an emotional and sensitive portrait of an artist-activist who became especially iconic to generations of black thespians. Variety

Exceptionalthis unforgettable tribute to a gifted, multifaceted woman is an important contribution to African American History, culture, and film collectors. Booklist

AWARDS, FESTIVALS, & SCREENINGS

Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO)
AFI Film Festival- Grand Jury Prize
Miami Int'l Film Festival - Audience Award
Pan African Film Festival
Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano, Havana
IDA International Documentary Showcase
Mill Valley Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary
Images of Black Women Film Festival