In Jamaa Fanaka‘s second feature, Emma Mae arrives in Los Angeles from Mississippi replete with rough edges and an exceptional ability to kick ass. Emma Mae’s plain looks and shy demeanor set her apart from super mama heroines of this “Blaxploitation” era (e.g. Foxy Brown, Cleopatra Jones). But when folks underestimate her, Emma Mae surprises everyone (including her no-good boyfriend Jesse) with her extraordinary physical and emotional strength.

SCREENS WITH:

A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan
(Jamaa Fanaka, USA, 1972, digiBETA, 16 min)

Jamaa Fanaka’s first project is an adaption of Goethe’s Faust, superimposed over a remake of Super Fly. A morality tale in two reels.

Tonight’s program is part of our month-long series L.A. Rebellion. Read More >>

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