Tuesday, February 12th, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.
Every month, films from the Library’s collection are shown at the Mary Pickford Theater in the James Madison building, ranging from titles newly preserved by the National Audio Visual Conservation Center film lab, classics from the National Film Registry, and lesser known titles worthy of discovery.
This month, our film was selected to honor the contributions of African American film directors, actors, and storytellers. In celebration of African American History Month, the Pickford Theater presents:
DOWN IN THE DELTA (Amen Ra Films – Chris Rose Productions / Miramax – Showtime, 1998). Directed by Maya Angelou. Written by Myron Goble. With Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman, Jr., Mary Alice, Esther Rolle, Loretta Devine. (112 min, color, 35mm).
We celebrate Black History Month with the only film directed by poet Maya Angelou, a powerful tale of a drug addict and single mother struggling to rebuild her life after moving with her two children from a rough Chicago neighborhood to her uncle’s home in rural Mississippi. Anchored by an exquisite performance by Alfre Woodard (a long-time member of the Library’s National Film Preservation Board), the film skillfully avoids the trappings of melodrama and subtly builds the case for the healing power of strong family ties. Wesley Snipes, who was also one of the producers, is impressive in the role of Woodard’s lawyer cousin. Archival print from the Library’s Copyright Collection.
Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
For more information on our programs, please visit the Mary Pickford Theater website.
The Mary Pickford Theater is located on the 3rd floor of the Library of Congress James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, DC, 20540.