CLAUDINE (1974) was first film produced by Third World Cinema Corp. – an organization launched in 1971 to provide minorities with substantial, less stereotypical roles in theatrical films. It was founded by producer Hannah Weinstein and actors Diana Sands, Ossie Davis, James Earl Jones and Rita Moreno – the latter two recipients of the AFI Honorary Degree –...

Inspired to write EVE’S BAYOU (1997) by memories of her own childhood trips to Louisiana, director Kasi Lemmons made her feature directorial debut with the film – working again with cinematographer and AFI Alum Amy Vincent (AFI Class of 1991), with whom she’d collaborated previously on the 1996 short film DR. HUGO. Learn more about...

A powerful musical drama directed by Robert Townsend, THE FIVE HEARTBEATS follows the highs and lows of a rhythm and blues group as they struggle with racism, drugs and deceit. The film was shot by cinematographer and AFI Faculty Senior Lecturer Bill Dill, ASC.  HOW TO WATCH Where to stream THE FIVE HEARTBEATS THE FIVE HEARTBEATS - Reelgood GET THE LATEST FROM AFI MOVIE CLUB AFI...

A tender-hearted story charting the trials and triumphs of a Harlem romance, CLAUDINE stars James Earl Jones – who was the recipient of an Honorary Degree from the AFI Conservatory in 2006.  HOW TO WATCH Where to stream CLAUDINE CLAUDINE - Reelgood GET THE LATEST FROM AFI MOVIE CLUB AFI Movie Club is a global, virtual gathering of film fans...