In the current era of Black Hollywood, the allure of commercial success pressures Black filmmakers to assimilate into a cinematic framework shaped by Western imperialism. This process usually results in what this dissertation terms, “White Cinema in Blackface”, films that adhere to dominant aesthetic and ideological norms while reinforcing the very systems that marginalize and penalize Black communities. I argue for a revolutionary alternative through Antagonistic Cinema Theory, a new framework for liberated Black cinema. Using a diversified methodology, my research first traces the historical antagonism between Hollywood and radical rebellious movements such as the L.A. Rebellion and the Black Audio Film Collective. It then grounds this history in contemporary practice through dialogues with filmmakers Merawi Gerima and Mtume Gant, who diagnose the current crisis between class aspiration and political art. The theoretical framework is demonstrated through an autoethnographic analysis of my first three feature films, which serve as practical case studies for the theory��s application. The study builds up to a formal articulation of Antagonistic Cinema Theory. A practice built on the principles of formal rupture, dialectical materialism, and the refusal of narrative realism. This framework draws its aesthetic genealogy from the improvisational logic of avant-garde jazz, the liberatory vision of Afro-Surrealism, and the ethical grounding of Africana existential philosophy. The dissertation ends with a manifesto arguing that Black cinema must reject its role as an audition for Hollywood and instead become an unapologetic weapon for liberation, accountable only to the poor and working-class communities it represents.
keywords
Black Cinema, African Cinema, Cinema, Afro-Surrealism, Black Existential Philosophy, African American Studies, Black Studies
CINE 2000 - Moving Image Foundations I
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Introduces students to basic image making technology, aesthetics and methods. Fundamentals of film/video production in Super 8mm film, Digital ProRes 422 and other analog and digital image making, editing and management formats. May emphasize personal, experimental or narrative approaches with individual exercises, according to instructor. Basic competencies include composition, lighting, basic audio, basic editing, studio critique, file management, web upload, etc. Formerly FILM 2000.
CINE 3010 - Film Production Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2024
Offers students both theoretical and practical experience in various specialized areas of cinematic production. Topics vary but include production in the documentary, fictional narrative, animation, computer animation, and experimental genres. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Formerly FILM 3010.
CINE 3400 - Cinema Production I
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Exploration of creative cinema production through short production and post-production projects. A short final project will be required. Focuses on the tactics and strategies of independent cinema production, examining a variety of approaches to genre. Explores a range of film and digital technologies. Recommended prerequisites: CINE 2005 or 2105. Formerly FILM 3400.
CINE 3940 - Cinema Studies Internship
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Provides students with professional internship experiences with film, video, new media production companies, governmental agencies, production units, audio recording studios and new media industries. Students will be responsible for securing their own internship position. May be repeated up to 9 credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: CU GPA of at least 2.00 and upper-division standing and a 3.00 GPA as a BA or BFA Cinema Studies major. Formerly FILM 3940.
CINE 4500 - Cinema Production 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Advanced exploration of creative cinema production through short production and post-production projects. Course focuses on the tactics and strategies of independent cinema production leading to the completion of a BFA thesis project exploring either documentary, experimental, or narrative genres. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Formerly FILM 4500. Same as ARTF 5500.
CINE 4959 - Honors Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
For exceptional Film Studies majors who wish to write an honors thesis based on independent research or creative work under the direction of a faculty member. Formerly FILM 4959.
