Zeinabu irene Davis’ ambitious feature debut links the African American present of the 1980s to the Black modernism of the early 20th century by juxtaposing two love stories, one from each era and starring the same actors. In each case, the lovers must negotiate not only racism but also illness and differences in class and educational background.
Upon casting deaf actress Michelle A. Banks as the female lead, Davis and screenwriter Mark Arthur Chéry modified the film to incorporate signing and intertitles to make it accessible to both deaf and hearing audiences. At the same time, these touches act as an homage to early Black cinema.
The L.A. Rebellion
The L.A. Rebellion film movement was born in the late 20th century when a wave of Black graduates came through the UCLA Film School.
Director Zeinabu irene Davis
Year 1999
Duration
1h 32m
Language English, ASL
Cast John Earl Jelks, Michelle A. Banks, Nirvana Cobb