Black Nature Films: Space is the Place

About Alfreda's Cinema

Founded by Melissa Lyde in 2015, Alfreda’s Cinema screens films that tell Black stories that resonate with depth and love, the richness and culture of our history, our dynamics, our shapes, our colors, and our truth.

Objective

Alfreda’s Cinema with Nature School presents a 50th Anniversary screening of SPACE IS THE PLACE (1974. John Coney) as a tribute to the cosmic connection between Black people and nature. Sun Ra, the space age prophet and his Intergalactic Solar Arkestra land their spaceship in Oakland, having been presumed lost in space for a few years. Ra as “the Alter-destiny” sets out to enact his plan to use music as salvation for the Black community—even battling with the devil himself to save Black people from oppression. Preceded by the short, AFRICANS WITH MAINFRAMES (2023, Kima Hibbert) following a reclusive Brooklyn woman, determined to tell a secret she’s harbored all her life: electronic music was started by Black southerners in the 1920s.

Black natural science is the foundation of humanity’s investigation of the unknown. We celebrate their spirit of discovery and experimentation in ancient astrology, medicine, music, language, and invention as a means of preservation. Attributing Sun Ra’s commitment to safeguarding Black people by escaping racism and oppression in SPACE IS THE PLACE, symbolic of Harriet and Moses’ fearless journey into worlds unknown. The natural world then and now has been our refuge and through leaps of faith we’ve advanced. Black natural science is dedicated to living and has been the salvation under tyranny. Join us under the Brooklyn stars to experience a visual meditation on Natural science displayed by Black Griots Sun Ra, and his Arkestra.

Presented in partnership with Alfreda’s Cinema, Councilman Chi Osse’s Office (District 36), and the NYC Parks Department Movies Under the Stars.

6PM – Birding Poetry & Power (RSVP here)
6PM – Music by Duane Harriott
8PM – Screenings Begin

What to Bring

• Picnic Blanket
• Snacks
• Friends

CURRICULUM

Photos by Cameryn Hines for Alfreda’s Cinema.