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WHY IS WE AMERICANS? Directors Up Next On THE SOUNDS OF FILM
WHY IS WE AMERICANS? Directors, Udi Aloni and Ayana Morris, Up Next on Tom Needham's SOUNDS OF FILM
WHY IS WE AMERICANS? Directors Udi Aloni and Ayana Morris Up Next on Tom Needham’s SOUNDS OF FILM
From the Newark Rebellion of 1967 to current day, the city’s narrative has been one of revolution with each generation picking up where the previous had left off. WHY IS WE AMERICANS? weighs in on Newark’s struggle against oppression through the personal triumphs and tragedies of the Baraka family -- from Amiri’s civil rights leadership and ultimate artistic marginalization, to the horrific murder of his sister, Kimako, through the homicide of daughter Shani (one of the first openly gay black activists) to the historic election of Ras Baraka as mayor of Newark, NJ.
And through it all, it is the matriarch, Amina Baraka, who emerges as the story’s lode star and moral compass. Spanning decades of social activism, poetry, music, art, and politics, this kaleidoscopic family saga is framed by on-camera interviews with Ms. Lauryn Hill, rare archival footage and revealing personal testimonials. And as we connect with the iconoclastic poet, and his tight-knit family, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice.
Co-directed by international award-winning director Udi Aloni (Junction 48), with emerging director Ayana Morris, WHY IS WE AMERICANS? is executive produced by Ms. Lauryn Hill and Oscar®-nominated, Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Bad Education).
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'The Sounds of Film' is the nation's longest-running film themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet at wusb.fm. Past interviewees include the Doors' John Densmore, Peter Paul and Mary's Peter Yarrow, Bobby Rydell, Kurtis Blow, Alec Baldwin, Ralph Macchio, Procol Harum's Gary Brooker, Julie Andrews and "Get Out's" Jordan Peele.
Worldwide listeners can tune into the Sounds of Film's internet livestream on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.
