Films

Sun, Apr 23, 2023 | 1–5 pm
Leslie Cheek Theater

1 pm
The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords 
An illuminating look at the history of the African American–produced newspaper, which flourished in hundreds of markets nationwide. More than just news, it was an important instrument in African Americans' push for racial and social equality. Exhaustively researched and narrated by actor Joe Morton, the film includes rarely seen footage from inside the Black newspaper industry. Directed/produced by Stanley Nelson. (1998, B&W, color, 86 min.)

3:30 pm
Silent Music Revival Presents Music by Sun V Set and the Films of Maya Deren
Experience the films of avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren—Meshes of the Afternoon (1943), At Land (1944), The Very Eye of Night (1958)—with live electric music by RVA's Sun V Set. Deren was a seminal figure of the American avant-garde film scene through the 1940s and 1950s, and pioneered not only the experimental "trance" film but also the dance film. (approx. 60 min.) 

Richmond-based SUN V SET features the musical expressions of Linnea Morgan (vocals, guitar, violin) and collaborators/co-creators Ethan Johnstone (drums, production) and Ethan Kuhn (bass). They've described their sound as "love songs for the elements." Their recent single is "LA Electric.")

Each event $8 | Tickets sold at VMFA's Cheek Theater. 
Festival details (available after April 1): jamesriverfilm.org