30th Anniversary Screening!
This July, The Black Nerds and Retro Heads invite you to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s classic film “Crooklyn”.
Released on May 13, 1994, just days after Nelson Mandela’s historic inauguration as President of South Africa, “Crooklyn” is a vibrant semi-autobiographical portrait of the Carmichael family living in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn in 1973. The film captures the essence of a pre-gentrified neighborhood struggling with neglected schools and uncollected garbage, contrasting sharply with its transformed state today. The film’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of nine-year-old Troy (Zelda Harris), who navigates her childhood amidst the chaos and love of her family. Her parents, Woody (Delroy Lindo) and Carolyn (Alfre Woodard), struggle to make ends meet, reflecting the socio economic challenges faced by many families at the time.
“Crooklyn” delves into themes of family, resilience, and the bittersweet nostalgia of childhood. Co-written by Spike Lee’s siblings Joie and Cinqué Lee, the film is a heartfelt homage to their late mother. It features powerful performances by Lindo and Woodard, and is marked by Lee’s distinctive visual style, including dynamic camera movements and an innovative use of anamorphic lens effects to depict Troy’s sense of alienation during a summer stay in the suburban South. The film’s episodic structure and rich soundtrack of soul and funk anthems enhance its nostalgic feel, making “Crooklyn” a celebration of Black youth and family life in the 1970s. (FADUMA GURE)