From Watts to Watts

Distributed by Film Ideas, 308 North Wolf Rd., Wheeling, IL 60090; 800-475-3456Produced by Tamara FilmsDirected by Pierre-Paul Puljiz2021, Streaming, 52 mins Charles Burnett, oddly, is not a very well-known figure in terms of American cinema, Holllywood-based cinema. But, as an African American filmmaker, Charles Burnett is the godfather of African American cinema. A lot of folks would say Spike Lee…but if we’re talking about a person, a black filmmaker, who has expressed the deepest truths of the black community, then we’re talking about Charles Burnett. -- Tim Cogshell, film critic From humble beginnings in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Watts, South Los Angeles, prolific filmmaker Charles Burnett’s cinematic career spans more than five decades. His direction of multifaceted African American stories culminates in more than 25 feature, short story, and made-for-television films. A student of UCLA’s “Black Independent Movement,” Burnett perfects his filmmaking techniques alongside up and coming classmates and burgeoning filmmakers Larry Clark, Ben Caldwell, Julie Dash, Haile Gerima, and Billy Woodberry. During the 1960s and 1970s, UCLA’s film studies program prides itself on being anti-Hollywood. However, the department is not initially welcoming of its minority student population. This bourgeoise attitude does not deter Burnett from becoming a member of the dubbed L.A. Rebellion film movement. Instead, it inspires Burnett to unapologetically explore themes of the working-class African American community and its real-life issues. As an extension of UCLA’s Third World Film Club, Burnett is also able to draw upon themes of liberation and struggles. Prior to the formation of the “L.A. Rebellion film movement,” film historians are keenly aware of Hollywood’s portrayal of people of color. Even blaxploitation films, such as Shaft, Superfly, and the like, are semi-myopic in its depiction of the African American experience as they are films generally distributed by major studios. In contrast, this new crop of anti-Hollywood filmmakers seek to portray African and African Americans in a more positive light. According to actor Charles Bracy, and film critic Tim Cogsheel, “themes explored in Burnett’s films, since the late 1960s, resonant with today’s African American experience within a white society.” Over the decades, not much has economically nor socially changed about the plight of African Americans. Millions continue to live below the poverty line, deal with systematic racism, confront white supremacy, and are subjected to repeated and unnecessary agitation and harassment from police. All causes which contribute to both the 1965 and 1992 L.A. riots. Of the numerous honorific films directed and/or produced by Burnett, Killer of Sheep, gains the most exposure as it is inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. The Board selects films “to ensure the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of American’s film heritage.” In summary, the film is notably an introduction to filmmaker Charles Burnett and the “L.A Rebellion film movement.” Subsequently, the content is extraordinary in so many ways. It highlights an independent movement created by its minority students, as well as inspires up-and-coming filmmakers, such as Spike Lee and John Singleton, to create film narratives. Members of this elite group dare to say enough is enough. They develop stories that are antithesis to the black mammy and sambo. However, the film is not without its criticism. The film serves to provide minimal historical background about the director and movement. As a documentary on Charles Burnett, it falls short in exploring his career, particularly post UCLA. Those unfamiliar with his work will come away only being able to name his thesis film, Killer of Sheep. Those who are familiar with Burnett’s work, but not his personal history, will gain an appreciation for the director’s contribution to the film industry as well as being a role model and inspiration for hundreds of neophyte filmmakers. Speakers include: Charles Bracy (actor), Charles Burnett (director, producer, writer, editor, actor, photographer, cinematographer), Tim Cogshell (film critic), Dr. Jan-Christopher Horak (UCLA Professor), Connie Rice (lawyer and civil rights activist), and more. I highly recommend this film for students studying film, and/or African American history. Film includes adult language.