Miracle at Santa Anna. A Spike Lee Joint
Sat 5 November 2-5pm
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1
Tube: Waterloo
African Odysseys at the BFI www.bfi.org.uk
Rated R (Strong language and violence) See video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcKPi5DyGWs
Although this film came out in the US in September 2008 it has never been released here and this will be its cinematic premiere. One must question why such quality films on black war heroes by a famous director are not selected for distibution while other far less edifying films are on heavy rotation. In World War 2 thousands of African-american troops were sent to fight for freedom and democracy on behalf of the USA which refused black people to right to vote. Initially the Armed Forces were reluctant to use black troops but due to the agitation of the US black community and the increasing casualty rate segregated units like the 92nd Infantry, the 761 Black Panther Tank Battalion and the Tuskeegee airmen were sent into action. The film follows the exploits of the 92nd infantry division and their activities in Italy when a small unit is trapped behind enemy lines and discovers a priceless artefact, a massive war crime and a supernatural statue The film will be followed by a Q and A with a WW2 veteran
Black History Walks will present a review of 200 Years of Black Soldiers in British Armed Forces on 8th October at 12.30pm at the Imperial War Museum