​Join us for the third screening presented by Exposure as a part of their series titled Foundations: The L.A. Rebellion and Birth of a New Black Cinema.

​Film Synopsis

​3 Shorts By Julie Dash - In these three provocative and visionary short films (Diary of an African Nun, Illusions, and Four Women), Julie Dash (Daughters of the Dust) explores the complexities of Black womanhood, devotion to forces beyond our understanding, the psychic and physical bonds that shape our sense of identities, and the ways we conceal or reveal our true selves. 

​Series Overview

​Over the second half of the 20th century, a group of visionary Black filmmakers emerged from UCLA to challenge Hollywood norms and redefine what cinema could be. Known as the L.A. Rebellion, these filmmakers rejected mainstream depictions of Black life, instead creating stories that were formally daring, politically charged, and rooted firmly in their shared community and lived experience. This series spans decades and delves into the heart of their movement, featuring "My Brother’s Wedding" a film by Charles Burnett, "Compensation" by Zeinabu irene Davis, "Bush Mama" by Haile Gerima, and a trio of Julie Dash’s groundbreaking shorts ("Diary of an African Nun", "Illusions", and "Four Women"). Individually, these films are foundational works within the canon of Black, independent, and American cinema. Together, they tell a powerful story of resistance, creativity, and liberation, revealing how the L.A. Rebellion reshaped Black storytelling and laid the groundwork for a more authentic, dynamic, and transformative Black cinema.