By John Garces/ne news editor
NE Campus student activities and the RTVB department will present two days of programs dedicated to Black History Month and the role of blacks in cinema Feb. 17-18.
Both events are noon-1:30 p.m. in the NSTU Center Corner and feature a panel of RTVB instructors Jerry Zumwalt, Theresa Zumwalt and Adrian Neely.
A History of Black Cinema and the Texas Race Films Feb. 17 will examine the contributions of blacks in cinema with the aid of an SMU film collection.
“There will be several clips from the collection shown, as well as a full film,” Neely said. “It gives students a chance to discuss the films.”
Neely said this event sheds light on a part of black history not many know about.
“Black filmmakers’ contributions have been underappreciated until these films were discovered,” he said. “It’s a whole group of people whose contributions to film wouldn’t have been discovered without SMU putting this collection together.”
The second day will be devoted to the popular 1970s Hollywood Blaxploitation Films. The session is noon-1:30 p.m. in NSTU Center Corner.
Blending the words black and exploitation, the films were the first to star black actors in Hollywood and use soul and funk music.
“The films were a source of empowerment,” Neely said. “When you see someone on the screen the same color as you, you’re a little more interested.”
The films also influenced many hip-hop and rap artists who often make music videos mimicking the style of the films of the ’70s.
Both events include lunch. To RSVP, call 817-515-6644.
