Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

The DU Lounge

CBHagman

(16,984 posts) Sun Nov 17, 2019, 10:56 AM Nov 2019

1898 Silent Film Represents Earliest Depiction of On-Screen Black Love

ICYMI, from January 9, 2019:

An early (1898!) silent film depicting an African-American couple kissing has been added to the National Film Registry. You can see the restored footage and read more at both links below.

https://news.wttw.com/2019/01/09/1898-silent-film-represents-earliest-depiction-screen-black-love?fbclid=IwAR2YQspsQepS7CJwVmY54sGStkLRoVmMCuB9eJs0U3EsHUcLCH_VoPggJWI

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/silent-film-black-couples-kiss-discovered-added-national-film-regist

2 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

1898 Silent Film Represents Earliest Depiction of On-Screen Black Love (Original Post) CBHagman Nov 2019 OP

Thanks! Here is the video: mucifer Nov 2019 #1

Fixed uchicago link: hunter Nov 2019 #2

mucifer

(23,522 posts)

1. Thanks! Here is the video:

Reply to CBHagman (Original post)

Sun Nov 17, 2019, 11:15 AM

Nov 2019

As most films back then were, the entire film was only 30 seconds and it is entirely of the couple being happy and sweet and kissing.

hunter

(38,309 posts)

2. Fixed uchicago link:

Reply to CBHagman (Original post)

Mon Nov 18, 2019, 02:42 AM

Nov 2019

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/silent-film-black-couples-kiss-discovered-added-national-film-registry

"Saint Suttle and Gertie Brown embrace in a 1898 film, a depiction of genuine black affection that stands out from a cinematic era filled with stereotypes and racist caricatures."

"The 29-second clip is free of stereotypes and racist caricatures, a stark contrast from the majority of black performances at the turn of the century."

--more--

Reply to this discussion