Filmmaker Jamal Joseph Delves into the Life of Langston
Hughes in a Poetic Documentary, Hughes' Dream Harlem
(Mahwah) - Hughes' Dream Harlem, a film that explores the life of Langston Hughes, will be screened Thursday, February 5 at 7 p.m. in the Sharp Theater at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Jamal Joseph, writer, producer and director, and producers Daddylynn Hutson and Voza Rivers created the film in honor of Hughes' 100th birthday. It will run on cable network channels such as Encore, Black Starz, BET and True.
The 60-minute documentary celebrates Hughes' life through music, poetry and dance, as well as the reflections of his friends, students and young artists inspired by Hughes' work. The film spotlights the reciprocity of love between Hughes and the place he called home - Harlem.
An alumnus of the Sundance Institute, Joseph, an activist and former Black Panther, has written and produced for HBO, New York Undercover, Jersey Films, Fox and New Line Cinema. He is co-producer of Tupac Shakur's poetry album, recited by artists such as Dead Prez, Quincy Jones, Reverend Run, Nikki Giovanni, Danny Glover, the cast of The Lion King and Mos Def.
Joseph attributes the years he spent in the Black Panther Party and nine years of incarceration as his inspiration. During his imprisonment, he earned two college degrees, authored two volumes of poetry and five plays, two of which are award-wining productions.
Joseph's awards include the James Baldwin Writing Award, Cine Golden Eagle, the New York Foundations of the Fellowship and the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame Award.
He is co-founder of IMPACT-a leadership and creative arts program that offers free instruction in music, dance, drama, writing, step, martial arts and leadership to young people between the ages of 10 and 18.
Joseph studied film at the Third World Newsreel and is currently working on film and music projects with Malik Yoba, Jay Z, Damon Dash, Don Cheadle, Sinbad and Russell Simmons, as well as a documentary about the life of poet/activist/educator Sonia Sanchez.
Admission for Hughe's Dream Harlem is free. The Sharp Theater is located in the Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts on the Ramapo College campus. For more information call 201.684.7844.
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
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