Haile Gerima

Abstract

The Hollywood industrial complex delivers entertainment to millions of people through the manipulation of images on the silver screen. Hollywood images of Africans in Africa and its Diaspora begin with negative stereotypes and gross misrepresentations about the Black experience. Yet, there are other images of Blacks that are more diverse and realistic. Haile Gerima has been at the forefront of the Black independent film movement to eradicate stereotypes while offering wholesome and complex stories about what it means to be Black from an international perspective. In the following interview conducted by historian Diane D. Turner and Muata Kamdibe, Gerima brings to light his early influences and his journey from Gonder, Ethiopia, to the United States. He gives insight into how he becomes one of the most important Black independent filmmakers in the history of Black film. He also provides information about the struggles to create meaningful Black films as well as his analysis of Black filmmakers and the Black film industry.