POWERFUL TIMELY DOCUMENTARY WHY IS WE AMERICANS? OPENS JANUARY 14th AVAILABLE FOR US THEATRICAL BOOKINGS
PLAY TRAILER
To honor Black History Month, Corinth Films is proud to offer this award winning documentary which celebrates Newark’s legendary Baraka family; their art, poetry, social activism, and contributions in the fight for a more just American society. Opens theatrically January 14th in NY and February 25th in LA following a special presentation at the 30th Annual Pan African Film Festival.
2020 | 100 min | USA
Directed by Udi Aloni and Ayana Morris
Featuring Amiri Baraka (formerly LeRoi Jones), Amina Baraka, Mayor Ras Baraka, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and NJ Senator Corey Booker
This film is available for both physical and virtual engagements. To book a date, or if you have any questions, contact John at john@corinthfilms.com or (610) 533-9678
SYNOPSIS
From the Newark Rebellion of 1967 to current day, the city’s narrative has been one of revolution with each generation picking up where the previous had left off. WHY IS WE AMERICANS? weighs in on Newark’s struggle against oppression through the personal triumphs and tragedies of the Baraka family — from Amiri’s civil rights leadership and ultimate artistic marginalization, to the horrific murder of his sister, Kimako, through the homicide of daughter Shani (one of the first openly gay black activists) to the historic election of Ras Baraka as mayor of Newark, NJ. And through it all, it is the matriarch, Amina Baraka, who emerges as story’s lode star and moral compass. Spanning decades of social activism, poetry, music, art, and politics, this kaleidoscopic family saga is framed by on-camera interviews with Ms. Lauryn Hill, rare archival footage and revealing personal testimonials. As we connect with the iconoclastic poet Amiri Baraka, his wife, Amina, and their son, Ras, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice.
To watch a screener contact John at john@corinthfilms.com or (610) 533-9678