Xenon Pictures suggestions for MANSA
Sept. 2022
Feature Films
9th Ward Justice
Martin Bats Bradford, Samantha Beaulieu, Terence Rosemore, Morgan Glover
Directed by: Jason Affolder
Aurora, a musically gifted teenage girl from New Orleans’ 9th Ward, is torn between family loyalty and doing what she knows is right after discovering her older cousin has become a violent criminal.
Joy Road
a film by HARRY DAVISWood Harris, Roger Guenveur Smith, N'Bushe Wright, Obba Babatundé, Christian Mathis
Directed by: Harry Davis
A burned out lawyer looking for a new direction in life has to put his plans on hold when his sister asks him to defend her fiancé, a gang kingpin who is under arrest for a triple murder that he says he didn’t commit. Suddenly the feds and a shadowy corporation get involved, along with a private investigator who seems to be working all sides.
“Directed with gritty authenticity… an extraordinary script” -Sundance Film Festival
Durdy Game Director’s Cut
(Director's Cut)Tawny Dahl, Janisha Faith, Karima Holloway, Jay Barron, Najawaun Ali
Directed by: Mody Mod
Three bitter young women involve themselves with a gang that targets well-to-do black men, leading to a series of home invasion robberies that ends in the murder of someone close to them.
“…the ultimate story of reaping what one sows.”—Variety
RESTORATION IN PROGRESS – DELIVERY 9-25-22
Mixing Nia
A film by Alison SwanKaryn Parsons, Isaiah Washington, Eric Thal, Diego Serrano
Directed by: Alison Swan
Directed and written by Alison Swan, featuring an all-star cast, and praised by festivals around the world, Mixing Nia is a refreshing, romantic, and hilarious take on identity and relationships.
Nia Evans (Karyn Parsons – Fresh Prince of Bel Air) appears to have “the perfect life” – she’s beautiful, young, and intelligent with a loving family and a lucrative job at a New York advertising firm. That is until
her employer gives her the assignment that seems ... Read more
a refreshing change….as racial and ideological questions spill over into everyday decisions, [director Swan] depends on Nia’s common sense to muddle through. The movie’s buried insight, I think, is that valid human relationships begin with feeling and honesty, not abstractions.
–Roger Ebert
Snoop Dogg’s HOOD of HORROR
Snoop Dogg, Ernie Hudson, Anson Mount, Danny Trejo, Jason Alexander, Lin Shaye
Directed by: Tim Sullivan
Welcome to the Hood of Horror, a place where your actions in this life determine your ultimate fate. Follow Snoop Dogg through three terrifying tales from this nefarious neighborhood, whose depraved denizens can all look forward to a very unpleasant eternity.
“GLEEFULLY DISGUSTING”—Variety
KLA$H
Jasmine Guy, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Campbell, Carl Bradshaw
Directed by: Bill Parker
“The Mandalorian”, “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”‘s Giancarlo Esposito stars in this action-packed, Reggae-soaked noir film set in Jamaica about a world-weary photographer who falls into the clutches of a sexy dance hall girl and her world of crime, deceit and murder. Features a box-office heist at a major Reggae concert…and was filmed during the actual event.
“An explosive sun-drenched, rum-soaked thriller.”—Sundance Film Festival
History
100 Years From Mississippi
Award winning biography of a truly remarkable American.Mamie Lang Kirkland
Directed by: Tarabu Betserai Kirkland
‘100 YEARS FROM MISSISSIPPI’ IS A TRUE STORY OF RESILIENCE, FORGIVENESS, MEMORY, AND HOPE.
Mamie Lang Kirkland still remembers the night in 1915 when panic filled her home in Ellisville, Mississippi. Her family was forced to flee in darkness from a growing mob of men determined to lynch her father and his friend. Mamie’s family escaped, but her father’s friend, John Hartfield, did not. He suffered one of the most horrific lynchings of the era.
Mamie ... Read more
“Her indomitable will and contagious joy of living is exceeded only by her ability to tell her story now, 111 years later” —Roxie.com
Nightfighters: The True Story of the 332nd Fighter Group, Tuskegee Airmen
The 332nd Fighter Group, Tuskegee Airmen, Arthur Burghardt (Narrator)
The story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of elite black pilots who distinguished themselves during numerous World War II combat missions over Europe is documented.
“Outstanding”
— Video Librarian
Authorized by the King Foundation
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: An Historical Perspective
Endorsed by The King FoundationDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Narrated by Arthur Burghardt
This comprehensive and fully authorized documentary traces King’s life and the development of his philosophies, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement.
“This outstanding production deserves a place in all collections”-School Library Journal
Ill-Gotten Gains
Djimon Hounsou, Akousia Busia, Eartha Kitt
Directed by: Joel Ben Marsden
Djimon Hounsou (Gladiator, Blood Diamonds, and Guy Richie’s upcoming King Arthur) stars in this gripping tale of twenty-four Africans held captive in a slave ship after slavery is outlawed. Spurred on by a specter that lives in the ship, the captives are moved to a tragic and bloody uprising.
“White-hot with outrage”—The Village Voice
The Legend of Dolemite
Bigger & BadderRudy Ray Moore, Mike D. (Beastie Boys), Ice T, Eddie Griffin, LaWanda Paige
Directed by: Ross Guidici
Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as “King of the Party Records,” Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries.
1970’s Independent Features
Dolemite
Eddie Murphy stars as Rudy Ray Moore in 2019's "Dolemite is My Name"Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jerry Jones
Directed by: D'urville Martin
The legendary classic…the pillar of the ‘blaxploitation’ genre….Rudy Ray Moore is DOLEMITE!
Dolemite and his beautiful All-Girl-Army of Kung Fu Killers take on the corrupt city in this groundbreaking film whose influence is still being felt today. The basis for Eddie Murphy’s “Dolemite is My Name”!
“The Citizen Kane of kung-fu pimpin’ films”—New York Times
The Human Tornado
(Dolemite II)Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Ernie Hudson
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
In this sequel to the smash hit Dolemite, Dolemite is on the run from a redneck sheriff who has caught him with his woman. Dolemite and his posse (including a young Ernie Hudson) dodge the sheriff and his bullets in a high-speed chase that takes them to LA. Upon Dolemite’s arrival, he learns that Queen Bee (Lady Reed) and her Kung Fu Girls have been pushed out of the night-club business by a ruthless competitor who ... Read more
“The most essential Dolemite movie…”-ColeSmithey.com
Disco Godfather
Remastered from Original Elements!Rudy Ray Moore, Carol Speed, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Jerry Jones
Directed by: D'urville Martin
Rudy Ray Moore’s fourth in a series of cult favorites finds him playing an ex-cop called back into action to stop an angel dust producer.
“Rudy Ray Moore is a comic genius.” –ColeSmithey.com
Petey Wheatstraw: The Devil’s Son-In-Law
Remastered from Original Elements!Rudy Ray Moore, Jimmy Lynch, Leroy & Skillet, Eboni Wryte, Wildman Steve
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
One of the classic films from Dolemite himself – Rudy Ray Moore! Gunned down by the mob, a comedian is given a second chance at life if he will marry the Devil’s hideous daughter.
“…[Moore] delivers his particular brand of humor forcefully…” – Variety
Blackenstein
Referenced in Eddie Murphy's "Dolemite is My Name"!Joseph De Sue, Ivory Stone, Roosevelt Jackson, Liz Renay, Cardella Di Milo
Directed by: William A. Levey
Eddie, a Vietnam vet who has lost his arms and legs, is restored by DNA expert Dr. Stein. But the results turn monstrous when a rival for Eddie’s fiancée gives him the wrong medication.
The Black Godfather
Rod Perry, Jimmy Witherspoon
Directed by: John Evans
A small-time numbers runner takes on the drug king pin that murdered his best friend.
Lord Shango
A Battle Between Gospel Glory and Shango SACRIFICE! Remastered from Original Elements! 1974 lost blaxploitation/horror classic!Marlene Clarke Lawrence Cook Wally Taylor
Directed by: Ray Marsh
In this horror film, black African Christians confront the traditional religion of their peers when a Yoruban priest is drowned after attempting to stop the Christian baptism of a young girl and her mother. Trouble ensues when the priest comes back to life.
“Rife with powerful allegory … A film of style and deep substance that ranks among the best independent works of 1970s Black cinema.” – Screen Slate
This came out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks…. extremely well constructed …. I can’t recommend it enough! – Chris Kirby, Letterboxd
ABAR: Black Superman
Tobar Mayo, J. Walter Smith, Roxie Young, Gladys Lum, Tony Rumford
Directed by: Frank Packard
A black scientist moves his family into an affluent neighborhood, only to be greeted with threats and vandalism by their new white neighbors. When the bigotry turns murderous, the good doctor works to transform his militant bodyguard into a black superman with fantastic physical strength and mental powers that set the stage for a remarkable climax!
“Strike fear into the hearts of intolerant racists everywhere.” Rovi
’90s and ’00s “Party Movies”
Malibooty
Director's CutBrian Hooks, Stickey Fingaz, Kym Whitley, Traci Bingham, E-40, Kent Masters-King
Directed by: Barry Bowles
Three friends head for the Boogie Beach Bash in Malibu, where they’re outnumbered 5 to 1 by some of the Golden State’s finest—and not so finest—female forms at the biggest party they’ve ever seen! Rated R Director’s Cut version.
“The classic ROAD MOVIE meets the classic BEACH PARTY film…with an URBAN EDGE!”
The Luau
Brian Hooks, Maia Campbell, Troy Winbush, Faizon Love
Directed by: Barry Bowles
Cedric needs money fast—his dad is demanding rent and the neighborhood gangstress is demanding that he pay off his gambling debt—so he throws a luau for profit. A great idea if every freak in the neighborhood doesn’t show up…which they do!
Q: The Movie
Brian Hooks, Kelita Smith, Darryl Brunson
Directed by: Barry Bowles
Cedrik (Brian Hooks- Soul Plane, UPN’s “Eve”) has been left in charge of his parents’ house with the promise of a new Jeep if he doesn’t have any wild parties or female “companionship” in their absence. But they never said anything about a barbecue…
Black Spring Break: The Movie
"Movie Pick of the Month" by B.E.T.'s Teen Summit!Daron "Southboy" Fordham, Kenny Flyy, Le Kisha Raine, Tonya Harris, Demetrius Warton
Directed by: Marlon Parry
An All-American college football star takes a vacation only to find himself pursued by sports agents and gold diggers. Filmed on location in Daytona Beach during the 1997 Black Spring Break.
Music
Welcome to Death Row
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Suge Knight, Tupac Shakur, Kevin Powell, Eazy E
Directed by: Leigh Savidge
The true story of the rise and fall of Death Row Records. As told in the words of the people who lived it, Welcome to Death Row tells the story of this enigmatic enterprise, its shadowy origins, and how it forever changed American business.
“Riveting”—The San Francisco Chronicle
Mahalia Jackson: The Power & The Glory
MAJOR HOLLYWOOD BIOPICS in the works!Mahalia Jackson, Studs Terkel, Jessie Jackson, George Avakian, Brother John Sellers
Directed by: Jeff Scheftel
Meet the gospel great who has influenced many of today’s pop superstars. This special edition DVD combines the outstanding documentary Mahalia Jackson: The Power & the Glory, with over two hours of vintage kinescope performances from the 1961 series, “Mahalia Jackson Sings”.
“An incredible film” – Paul McCartney
Mahalia Jackson Sings
Mahalia Jackson
Featuring over 2 hours of vintage performances by the world’s greatest gospel singer, this is Mahalia at her most powerful, singing the beloved songs that made her a legend, and landed her in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Originally intended as musical vignettes for CBS’s 1960-61 television season, this beautiful footage has been digitally remastered for optimum sound and picture quality form the original 16mm Kinescopes.
“A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mahalia Jackson Sings the Songs of Christmas
Mahalia Jackson
Includes: “Silent Night”, “A Child of the King”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, “Evening Prayer”, “A Star Stood Still”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and many more!
“A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium.”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Winans: The Lost Concert
The Winans, The Commissioned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong
This powerful live concert performance by The Winans, The Commissioned (with their original line up), and Vanessa Bell Armstrong was lost for over 13 years.
“The most important group of the last 30 years in pushing the crossover of gospel into both soul and pop radio”- SoulTracks.com
Stand-Up
Before They Were Kings
The Whole Damn Thing!Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Steve Harvey, Keenan Wayans, Chris Rock, DL Hughley, Arsenio Hall, AJ Jamal, Happy Cole
With nothing more than a punchline and a dream, these struggling artists transformed themselves into comedy legends. Here is a rare opportunity to see some of today’s greatest stars perform the routines that would one day make them kings of comedy.
Rude: Rudy Ray Moore LIVE
Rudy Ray Moore, Leroy & Skillet
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
Rudy Ray Moore brings his infamous original rap-comedy to the screen, featuring the routines that earned him the title “The Godfather of Rap”.
Rudy Ray Moore: Live at Wetlands
Rudy Ray Moore
Directed by: Donald H. Randell
Rudy Ray Moore returns to his R&B roots in this incredible September, 2000 live performance at Wetlands, N.Y.C. The man who taught America how to rap is back to show us how to sing the Blues.
“…he wisecracked his way through a world of uncontrollable lusts and endless battles: men challenging men for dominance, and women demanding that men perform.”—The New York Times