Live improvised accompaniment by Aaron Hill, keyboards.
Iconic performer Paul Robeson’s debut screen performance in the silent film Body and Soul, by legendary director Oscar Micheaux, is an example of an early “race film,” a genre produced in the first half of the 20th century by all African American casts and crew made specifically for Black audiences. Controversial upon release because of its portrayal of a swindler posing as a clergyman, Body and Soul is the only instance of Micheaux directing Robeson for the screen. (Oscar Micheaux, 1925, 35mm to DCP, 95 minutes)
With thanks to the George Eastman Museum for the loan of this print. In 2009, the museum created a new print of this film from the surviving elements, restoring the color tinting found in the nitrate original.
Aaron Hill is a Baltimore-based musician. His group Fruition Experience presents a satiating blend of neo soul, jazz, and hip-hop that has been called ‘Cosmic Soul.’ Hill is also the CEO of performance track company Fruition Music. Most recently, he has been creating music and featured with The Aaron Hill Trio.
Part of the Fall Cine-Concert film series.