Harlem Stage Announces Fall Film Series, Begins 9/15

This fall's Harlem Stage on Screen series presents five films that span continents and centuries, ranging from a 350-year history of the place now called Harlem to the political, social, and economic turmoil of modern Zimbabwe.

For the second year in a row, Harlem Stage will partner with Black Documentary Collective (BDC) to present vibrant true stories of diverse communities and offer the chance to meet and interact with the filmmakers. Additionally this fall, Harlem Stage will work with director Sultan Sharrief to present his award-winning film "Bilal's Stand" to a general audience and in a workshop screening for students from nearby A. Philip Randolph High School.

"The films we are presenting are among the best documentaries of the past 30 years," says Harlem Stage Executive Director Pat Cruz, "and we are thrilled to collaborate with Sultan Sharrief and BDC to ensure they are seen by as many people as possible. Whether their stories are about our own histories or the struggles of people half a world away, these films remind us of the shared humanity that crosses ethnic, religious and political lines."

"As an organization that spotlights documentary films made by people who represent all aspects of the African Diaspora, it's really terrific to have a premier venue like Harlem Stage as a partner, that is accessible to our members and the general public," says Laurens Grant, Interim President of the Black Documentary Collective. "We have a wonderful partnership where in many cases this season audiences will get a first look at films before they're released theatrically or broadcast on television or cable."

The BDC series at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse begins September 15 with Bill Miles' groundbreaking "I Remember Harlem" (1980), a four-hour documentary distilled into a one-hour compilation film encompassing Harlem's three-century-plus history. October features Stanley Nelson's "Freedom Riders" (2010), which recounts an historic 1961 trek through the rural American south by hundreds of black and white freedom activists, and Sharrief's "Bilal's Stand" (2010), which tells the story of a multi-generational Detroit Muslim family that for six decades has owned a taxi stand.

To honor Veteran's Day in November, director Brian Palmer's "Full Disclosure: A Reporter's Journey Toward Truth" (2010) examines the circumstances of America's participation in the ongoing war in Iraq. In December, Harlem Stage screens "Shungu" (2009), director Saki Mafundikwa's compelling film about how everyday citizens survive the social chaos in Zimbabwe.

Tickets range from free to $10, and are available online at harlemstage.org, by phone at 212.281.9240 ext. 19 or 20, or in person at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse box office, 150 Convent Street at 135th St. (call for hours). A full schedule of the Harlem Stage on Screen series is below.

Wed., September 15, 2010
I Remember Harlem; Bill Miles, director
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
This 60-minute compilation of a four-hour documentary tracing 350 years of Harlem's history highlights one of Oscar nominee Bill Miles' most stunning achievements. A discussion with the

filmmaker and a reception follows the screening. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

Wed., October 6, 2010
Freedom Riders; Stanley Nelson, producer/director; Laurens Grant, producer
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Free - RSVP required
Award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson's latest documentary tells the powerful, harrowing, and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961, when more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives simply by traveling together on buses and trains through the Deep South. The journey changed America forever. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

Mon., October 25, 2010
Bilal's Stand; Sultan Sharrief, director
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
Based on a true story, the film focuses on a Detroit high-school senior and his family's taxi stand. "The Stand," as they call it, has been the source of all activity and income for the family for the last 60 years. It appears as though Bilal will be next to carry the torch. However, after secretly submitting a college application and taking up ice carving in order to win a scholarship, he is forced to decide between working at "The Stand" - the only life he's ever known - or taking a chance at social mobility. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; sponsored by HBO.

Wed., November 10, 2010
Full Disclosure; Brian Palmer, director
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
Based on embeds in Iraq, this film focuses on the revolving-door deployments to Iraq made by one U.S. Marine combat unit. Full Disclosure considers the dire consequences of America's improvisation in Iraq, even as our attention turns to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the global economic crisis. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

Wed., December 1, 2010
Shungu; Saki Mafundikwa, director; Karen Mafundikwa, producer
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
Shungu is a compelling narrative about the strategies ordinary people use to survive in Zimbabwe today. The filmmaker takes viewers on a lyrically photographed personal journey, offering rare, intimate insights as the country experiences political turmoil, economic meltdown, and health care collapse. Interwoven throughout is the tumultuous political power struggle and eventual reconciliation between President Robert Mugabe and his nemesis, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

Through all its multidisciplinary programming, Harlem Stage celebrates and perpetuates Harlem's indelible impression on American culture.

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