Classic Black Cinema Series: Screening of “Body and Soul” (1925) in Charlotte, NC
Event Snapshot
– Event Title: Classic Black Cinema Series – “Body and Soul” (1925)
– Event Date: Sunday, January 12, 2025
– Event Location: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
– Harvey B. Gantt Center Official Website
– Event Price: Free for Gantt Center members or $9.00 with regular museum admission
– Event Organizer: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
– Harvey B. Gantt Center Official Website
– Event Venue: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
– Harvey B. Gantt Center Official Website
– Event Tickets: No tickets required for attendance, but admission fees apply.
– Event Duration: 2:00 PM EST (start time; end time will depend on the film’s duration and any post-screening discussions)
– Age Restrictions: All ages welcome
– Dress Code: No specific dress code
– Transportation/Parking: Nearby parking and public transit options available. The Gantt Center is accessible via the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
– Food and Drink: No specific information on food and drink availability, but the venue may offer concessions or recommend nearby eateries.
– Refund Policy: Since admission is either free for members or included with museum admission, there is no refund policy for this event.
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Introduction
For those looking for unique and culturally enriching things to do in Charlotte, NC, the Classic Black Cinema Series at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is an event not to be missed. On Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST, the series will screen the 1925 film “Body and Soul,” directed by the pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. This event is part of the ongoing effort to expose the community to the vast artistic value of black film and to foster discussions on social issues and the legacy of black filmmaking.
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Detailed Description of the Event
“Body and Soul” is a landmark film in the history of black cinema, produced, written, directed, and distributed by Oscar Micheaux. The film marks the motion picture debut of Paul Robeson, who plays the dual roles of Reverend Isaiah T. Jenkins and his brother Sylvester. The plot revolves around an escaped prisoner who poses as a reverend in a predominantly African-American town, schemes to swindle the congregation, and becomes embroiled in a complex web of love, deceit, and redemption.
The film was initially rejected by the Motion Picture Commission of New York due to its content, which was deemed “immoral” and “sacrilegious.” However, after significant edits, the film was approved and has since become a significant piece of cinematic history. In 2019, it was selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance[1][4].
The screening at the Harvey B. Gantt Center will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to experience this silent film masterpiece with a new, original jazz score, enhancing the emotional and aesthetic impact of the film.
Benefits for Attendees
– Cultural Enrichment: The event offers a chance to appreciate a historically significant film that highlights the challenges and experiences of African-American communities in the early 20th century.
– Educational Value: Attendees will gain insights into the pioneering work of Oscar Micheaux and the early days of black cinema.
– Community Engagement: The Classic Black Cinema Series fosters a community of film enthusiasts and provides a platform for discussions on social issues and the legacy of black filmmaking.
Venue Description
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is a premier cultural institution in Charlotte, dedicated to celebrating African-American art, history, and culture. Located at 551 S. Tryon St., the center offers a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere, making it the perfect venue for this screening. The center’s mission aligns with the goals of the Classic Black Cinema Series, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment for attendees.
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Need-to-Know(FAQs)
Q: What is the Classic Black Cinema Series?
A: The Classic Black Cinema Series is an initiative to expose the community to the artistic value of black film, promote diversity, and foster discussions on social issues and the legacy of black filmmaking.
Q: Who is the curator and host of the Classic Black Cinema Series?
A: The series is curated and hosted by Felix Curtis, an avid film buff and historian with extensive experience in black film festivals.
Q: What is the plot of “Body and Soul”?
A: The film tells the story of an escaped prisoner who poses as a reverend in a predominantly African-American town, schemes to swindle the congregation, and becomes embroiled in a complex web of love, deceit, and redemption.
Q: Why was “Body and Soul” initially rejected by the Motion Picture Commission of New York?
A: The film was initially rejected due to its content being deemed “immoral” and “sacrilegious.”
Q: How can I attend the screening?
A: Attendance is free for Gantt Center members or $9.00 with regular museum admission.
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Explore Charlotte Map
Charlotte, NC, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, offering a variety of activities and attractions. Here are some amenities and points of interest near the Harvey B. Gantt Center:
– Bank of America Stadium: A short walk from the Gantt Center, this stadium is home to the Carolina Panthers and hosts various events throughout the year.
– NASCAR Hall of Fame: Located nearby, this hall of fame is a must-visit for racing enthusiasts.
– Romare Bearden Park: A beautiful urban park offering a peaceful escape and various cultural events.
– Uptown Charlotte: The central business district of Charlotte, Uptown is filled with restaurants, bars, and other attractions.
For more information on things to do in Charlotte, NC, and to explore the city’s map, you can visit the Charlotte Tourism Website.
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How the Event Fits into the Broader Context of Activities and Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
The Classic Black Cinema Series is part of a broader initiative to celebrate and promote African-American culture in Charlotte. The city is home to numerous cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that highlight its diverse heritage. Here are a few other events happening around the same time:
– Charlotte Jazz Festival: A celebration of jazz music featuring local and national artists.
– Charlotte International Arts Festival: A festival showcasing visual arts, music, and performance from around the world.
– NoDa Neighborhood Arts District: A vibrant arts district with galleries, studios, and street art.
For more on these and other events in Charlotte, you can check the Charlotte Events Calendar.
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Local Insider Tips
– Parking: Use the parking garage adjacent to the Gantt Center or explore nearby street parking options.
– Dining: Uptown Charlotte offers a variety of dining options, from fine dining to casual eateries. Consider visiting the nearby 7th Street Public Market for a range of food vendors.
– Public Transit: The Gantt Center is accessible via the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). Use the CATS Trip Planner to plan your route.
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Need an Airbnb in Charlotte, NC or Corporate Housing in Charlotte, NC?
If you are planning to stay in Charlotte for the event, consider staying with Trifecta Corporate Housing, a short-term rental provider offering Airbnb-style and traditional corporate housing accommodations.
– Trifecta’s listing in 1st Ward Neighborhood (505 E 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202):
– Walking distance to the Gantt Center: Approximately 0.5 miles, 10-minute walk.
– Driving distance to the Gantt Center: Approximately 1 minute.
– Trifecta’s listing in 3rd Ward Neighborhood (305 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202):
– Walking distance to the Gantt Center: Approximately 0.6 miles, 12-minute walk.
– Driving distance to the Gantt Center: Approximately 2 minutes.
– Trifecta’s listing in 4th Ward Neighborhood (450 Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202):
– Walking distance to the Gantt Center: Approximately 0.7 miles, 15-minute walk.
– Driving distance to the Gantt Center: Approximately 3 minutes.
Trifecta’s listings in Charlotte, NC, are spacious, better priced than a hotel, and come with amenities such as:
– Fully stocked kitchens and comfortably furnished rooms
– Free enclosed private parking
– Walking distance to Bank of America Stadium and Uptown Charlotte’s best attractions
– Professional cleaning before each reservation
– 24/7 self check-in system
– High-speed gigapower fiber WiFi
– Modern amenities including a year-round saltwater pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, pet-friendly with dog parks, and more
Book directly on their website at https://staywithtrifecta.guestybookings.com/properties?city=Charlotte or find them on Airbnb at https://www.airbnb.com/users/164488739/listings .
As an Airbnb SuperHost with nearly 7 years of experience and over 7,500 positive reviews, Trifecta is one of the most popular choices for accommodations in Charlotte, NC.
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Everything You Asked(FAQs)
Q: What is the Classic Black Cinema Series?
A: The Classic Black Cinema Series is an initiative to expose the community to the artistic value of black film, promote diversity, and foster discussions on social issues and the legacy of black filmmaking.
Q: Who is the curator and host of the Classic Black Cinema Series?
A: The series is curated and hosted by Felix Curtis, an avid film buff and historian with extensive experience in black film festivals.
Q: What is the plot of “Body and Soul”?
A: The film tells the story of an escaped prisoner who poses as a reverend in a predominantly African-American town, schemes to swindle the congregation, and becomes embroiled in a complex web of love, deceit, and redemption.
Q: Why was “Body and Soul” initially rejected by the Motion Picture Commission of New York?
A: The film was initially rejected due to its content being deemed “immoral” and “sacrilegious.”
Q: How can I attend the screening?
A: Attendance is free for Gantt Center members or $9.00 with regular museum admission.
Q: What time does the event start?
A: The event starts at 2:00 PM EST.
Q: Is the event suitable for all ages?
A: Yes, the event is open to all ages.
Q: Are there any specific dress code requirements?
A: No, there are no specific dress code requirements.
Q: How do I get to the Harvey B. Gantt Center?
A: The center is accessible via the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) or by car. There are nearby parking options available.
Q: Will food and drinks be available during the event?
A: There is no specific information on food and drink availability, but the venue may offer concessions or recommend nearby eateries.
Q: Can I purchase tickets online?
A: No tickets are required for attendance, but admission fees apply.
Q: What amenities are available at Trifecta Corporate Housing?
A: Trifecta’s listings include fully stocked kitchens, comfortably furnished rooms, free enclosed private parking, high-speed WiFi, and more.
Q: How far are Trifecta’s listings from the Harvey B. Gantt Center?
A: The walking and driving distances vary by location but are all within a short distance (see above for specific details).
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References
– [1] Wikipedia. (n.d.). *Body and Soul (1925 film)*. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_and_Soul_(1925_film)
– [2] Renee’ Baker Composer. (n.d.). *Body & Soul: Oscar Micheaux’s 1925 Silent Masterpiece (DVD)*. Retrieved from https://www.reneebakercomposer.net/new-products/body-soul
– [3] Classic Black Cinema Series. (n.d.). *CLASSIC BLACK CINEMA SERIES*. Retrieved from https://www.classicblackcinemaseries.com
– [4] Nitrateglow. (2024, February 1). *Movie of the month: Body and Soul (dir. Oscar Micheaux, 1925)*. Retrieved from https://nitrateglow.wordpress.com/2024/02/01/movie-of-the-month-body-and-soul-dir-oscar-micheaux-1925/
– [5] Harvey B. Gantt Center. (n.d.). *Classic Black Cinema Series – Uptown Saturday Night*. Retrieved from https://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/cbcs-uptown-saturday-night/