News Summary
A live reading of James Baldwin’s ‘The Devil Finds Work’ was performed by actor Kendale Winbush at UCLA, as part of a special event series exploring Baldwin’s insights on film and race. This initiative features documentary screenings and readings by prominent cinema figures, highlighting Baldwin’s lasting impact on representation in the film industry.
Los Angeles – A dramatic reading of James Baldwin’s 1976 work, The Devil Finds Work, was performed live by Kendale Winbush, an actor with a UCLA Theater M.F.A. ’21, at a special event organized by the UCLA Film & Television Archive. This reading took place as part of the screening series titled “The Devil Finds Work: James Baldwin’s Cinema of the Mind.”
The featured reading is integral to a broader initiative that celebrates Baldwin’s legacy through the exploration of his insights into film and race. The series will also showcase screenings of films that resonate with Baldwin’s themes, including the acclaimed documentaries I Am Not Your Negro (2017) and James Baldwin: The Price of a Ticket (1989).
The Devil Finds Work is a book-length essay that intertwines Baldwin’s personal memoir with his critical analysis of American cinema. Baldwin’s exploration of race and representation continues to resonate, illuminating the challenges faced by marginalized voices in the film industry.
Documentary Screenings and Celebrity Participants
The UCLA Film & Television Archive, a division of the UCLA Library, conducted this event at the Billy Wilder Theater located at the Hammer Museum. Notable figures in cinema, such as authors and actors including Roxane Gay, Sam Sanders, LisaGay Hamilton, and Justice Smith, will also participate in reading excerpts from Baldwin’s writings during the series.
Historical Context of Baldwin’s Work
Baldwin’s relationship with Hollywood was fraught with complexity, particularly highlighted in February 1968 when he was in Los Angeles to work on a screenplay about Malcolm X. This period garnered considerable media attention and drew scrutiny from the FBI due to Baldwin’s political engagement and the script’s potential implications.
While striving to create an authentic portrayal of Malcolm X, Baldwin encountered hurdles stemming from the various pressures exerted by political factions. His efforts to finalize the screenplay often put him at odds with Hollywood’s commercial motivations. Baldwin sought to maintain fidelity to his vision despite the industry’s often restrictive climate.
Continuing Relevance of Baldwin’s Thoughts
The ongoing series at UCLA highlights James Baldwin’s continued relevance, particularly his critical lens on film and race, as well as his profound influence on subsequent generations of filmmakers and thinkers. The events aim to foster meaningful discussions around Baldwin’s themes, connecting his observations to contemporary issues in the arts and media.
In a landscape where representation in film remains a contentious subject, Baldwin’s writings serve as a foundational reference point. His analytical prowess and ability to articulate the complexities of race and identity offer valuable insights, encouraging audiences to reflect on the evolution of cinema and societal narratives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Vanity Fair: Baldwin’s Fraught Hollywood Journey
- San Antonio Current: The Price of the Ticket
- Los Angeles Times: Baldwin and Film
- Broadway World: Debate Baldwin vs. Buckley
- NBC Los Angeles: Inspirational Quotes
- Wikipedia: James Baldwin
- Google Search: James Baldwin films
- Google Scholar: James Baldwin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Baldwin
- Google News: James Baldwin Hollywood
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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