Plazadrome Presents: The Atlanta Premier and official Blu-Ray release of RIVERBEND (1989)
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Join us for the Atlanta premiere and official Blu-ray release of one of the most subversive films in Black cinema history. Plazadrome, Black Eye Film Club, Reelblack Renaissance, and the BronzeLens Film Festival present RIVERBEND- Saturday 8/15, 6pm at @plazaatlanta!
The Spook Who Sat by the Door meets Seven Samurai in a powder-keg action drama about Black resistance, collective power, and a town pushed to fight back.
Set in 1966, Riverbend stars Steve James (I’m Gonna Git U Sucka) as one of three Black Vietnam soldiers who join forces with a determined local woman, played by Oscar-nominated actress Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), to organize a small Southern town against a violent racist sheriff. Directed by Sam Firstenberg (American Ninja), the film is a powerful story of Black self-determination, community, and collective action that remains fiercely relevant today.
After a brief theatrical run and VHS release in 1990, Riverbend disappeared for decades. The recovery of its original 35mm elements made possible a painstaking, director-approved restoration. Now, more than 35 years later, this Georgia-set film will finally screen in Atlanta.
The evening includes a post-screening conversation and Blu-ray signing with members of the cast and creative team. Scheduled guests include actors Margaret Avery, Julius Tennon (The Woman King), Alex Morris (Baskets), Vanessa Tate Goodrich, and Marcus Coleman; co-producer Valerie Coleman Vance; poster artist Aaron Kai; Debbi James (Daughter of Steve James); and restoration executive producer Michael J. Dennis of Reelblack Renaissance.
The Spook Who Sat by the Door meets Seven Samurai in a powder-keg action drama about Black resistance, collective power, and a town pushed to fight back.
Set in 1966, Riverbend stars Steve James (I’m Gonna Git U Sucka) as one of three Black Vietnam soldiers who join forces with a determined local woman, played by Oscar-nominated actress Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), to organize a small Southern town against a violent racist sheriff. Directed by Sam Firstenberg (American Ninja), the film is a powerful story of Black self-determination, community, and collective action that remains fiercely relevant today.
After a brief theatrical run and VHS release in 1990, Riverbend disappeared for decades. The recovery of its original 35mm elements made possible a painstaking, director-approved restoration. Now, more than 35 years later, this Georgia-set film will finally screen in Atlanta.
The evening includes a post-screening conversation and Blu-ray signing with members of the cast and creative team. Scheduled guests include actors Margaret Avery, Julius Tennon (The Woman King), Alex Morris (Baskets), Vanessa Tate Goodrich, and Marcus Coleman; co-producer Valerie Coleman Vance; poster artist Aaron Kai; Debbi James (Daughter of Steve James); and restoration executive producer Michael J. Dennis of Reelblack Renaissance.
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Where is it happening?
Plaza Atlanta, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave NE,Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherVideodrome
