Illusions

Includes the following films:

Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A.

1946. USA. Directed by Spencer Williams. With Francine Everett. A dancer from Harlem foments excitement at a Caribbean island resort. Francine Everett, an actress in numerous "race films," was once called “the most beautiful woman in Harlem.” In retirement, Everett spoke about her work in these films and her refusals to take on racially stereotypical roles. Preserved with support from NYWIFT’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund. 65 min.

Illusions

1982. USA. Directed by Julie Dash. Set in 1942 Hollywood, at the fictitious National Studios, Illusions tells the story of a light-skinned African American studio executive who risks having her racial identity revealed when she hires a black singer to record a soundtrack instead of the white singer preferred by her colleagues. Preserved with support from NYWIFT’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund. 34 min.