The Censored 11: Film Shorts Screening and Discussion

Does artistic expression trump offensive content? How does censorship impact our understanding of history? In 1968, United Artists chose to withhold the distribution rights for 11 Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons due to the offensiveness of racial stereotypes presented in them. Since that time, successive rights holders have upheld this ban on broadcast and theatrical screenings, and the short cartoons have only been shown once, in 2010, in a screening held by Warner Bros. However, copies do exist on VHS and DVD and we invite you to a special screening of all 11 of these controversial works!

Join Michael Dennis and Dr. Beverly Richards for this viewing, followed by a lively conversation on art, culture, race and history! Michael Dennis is a filmmaker and the founder of Reelblack, a full-service film and video production company dedicated to creating and promoting “good movies ’bout Black Folks.” Dr. Beverly Richards is the owner and curator of the A Cinema Apart Collection which includes African American Film memorabilia from the 1920s through 1950s. A Cinema Apart provides Vintage and hard-to-find African American films and products to enthusiasts across the globe.

This program is presented in conjunction with Plan-Ta-Shun: Works by Colin Quashie.