Found 2 collections related to Independent filmmakers -- United States

Sweet Love, Bitter is an independent movie, written, produced, and directed, in 1967, by Herbert Danska and Lewis Jacobs. The story is based on the novel Night Song, written by John Williams and inspired by the life of jazz saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker. The black and white film starred Dick Gregory as the musician, along with Don Murray, Robert Hooks, and Diana Varsi. This interracial drama dealt with two contemporary American themes, the African American as the creative genius and the African American in American society. In addition, heroin addiction and an interracial love affair were themes addressed in this film. The Sweet Love, Bitter film collection consists of the screenplay entitled Night Song by Herbert Danska and Lewis Jacob (1963); a film proposal by Nat Hentoff, which was distributed to potential investors; Danska's and Jacobs's outline of the movie; and a budget estimate. Additionally, there is an outline of the third and final cut, a location list, five cue cards used by Dick Gregory during filming, and news clippings of advertisements and reviews. Documents relating to the controversy over control and cutting of the film complete this collection. less

The collection contains materials used to create the Mary Lou Williams documentary, Music on My Mind, directed by Joanne Burke. Music on My Mind focuses on Williams's enduring contribution to American culture as a jazz pianist, composer, and vocalist. This collection includes a short autobiography (incomplete), transcripts of interviews, information on the financial support of the documentary, film technical edits, reel catalog, and an information kit about the documentary. less