Live stream preview

Watch this video and more on The Criterion Channel

Watch this video and more on The Criterion Channel

Start your free trial Learn more

Already subscribed? Sign in

Celebrate Black History

A Different Image

51m

Directed by Alile Sharon Larkin • 1982 • United States

In this poetic, groundbreaking work from LA Rebellion trailblazer Alile Sharon Larkin, Alana (Margot Saxton-Federella), a Black art student, sets out to reclaim her body image and self-worth from Western, patriarchal beauty standards and, in the process, discover her true heritage. Through a sensitive and humorous story about Alana’s relationship with a man (Adisa Anderson), A DIFFERENT IMAGE—which was shot by Charles Burnett, director of KILLER OF SHEEP and TO SLEEP WITH ANGER—makes provocative connections between racism and sexual stereotyping.

Up Next in Celebrate Black History

  • Will
    1:13:43
    Will

    Will

    Directed by Jessie Maple • 1981 • United States
    Starring Obaka Adedunyo, Loretta Devine, Robert Dean

    In 1981, Jessie Maple became one of the first African American women to direct an independent film with this raw, unflinching portrait of heroin addiction and recovery. Shot on location in Harlem...

  • Integration Report 1
    20:23
    Integration Report 1

    Integration Report 1

    Directed by Madeline Anderson • 1960 • United States

    Recognized as the first documentary ever directed by an African American woman, INTEGRATION REPORT 1 examines the struggle for Black equality in Alabama, Brooklyn, and Washington, DC, incorporating footage by documentary legends Albert Maysles...

  • Cane River
    1:44:42
    Cane River

    Cane River

    Directed by Horace Jenkins • 1982 • United States
    Starring Richard Romain, Tommye Myrick, Carol Sutton

    Written, produced, and directed by the late, trailblazing director Horace B. Jenkins and crafted by an entirely African American cast and crew, this luminous, recently rediscovered landmark of ...

×