Backdrop image for movie Afro Promo

Afro Promo (1997)

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.

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Top billed cast

  • Photo of Sidney PoitierSidney PoitierSelf (archive footage)
  • Photo of James Earl JonesJames Earl JonesSelf (archive footage)
  • Photo of Billy Dee WilliamsBilly Dee WilliamsSelf (archive footage)
  • Photo of Richard PryorRichard PryorSelf (archive footage)
  • Photo of Pam GrierPam GrierSelf (archive footage)

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