Directed by Bill Gunn | USA | 112 mins

 

Amidst the "Blaxploitation" trend of early 70s American cinema, African-American filmmaker Bill Gunn found the opportunity to take a commercial project, a "Black vampire" movie, and use it to talk about the African diaspora, drug addiction, and other issues affecting the Black community of the time. Afforded a surprising degree of creative control, Gunn surmounted the film's low budget with creative editing, artistic cinematography, and experimental storytelling to deliver a cult classic. Starring Duane Jones (Night of the Living Dead), Ganja & Hess uses vampirism as a metaphor for assimilation, cultural imperialism, and religious hypocrisy. This special presentation of the fully restored version of the film features an introduction from Maya Cade, of the Black Film Archive.

Written by Ben Rowe.  

Rated 14A for violence and sexual content.

Part of our Foreign Fangs Series.

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In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.