The First World Festival of Negro Arts (1966)

  • NR
  • 01/01/1966 (US)
  • Documentary
  • 40m

Overview

"This documentary film covers a 24-day arts festival in Dakar, Senegal that highlighted Black contributions to the cultural heritage of mankind and was attended by an extraordinary cast of over 2,000 luminaries - including Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Alvin Ailey, Aime Cesaire, and Leopold Senghor - from dozens of countries. The film depicts performances by African and American entertainers and shows various works of art while also providing unparalleled insight from the perspective of the African American delegation. The film was written and directed by William Greaves" (US National Archives).

William Greaves

Director, Writer

Cast

William Greaves's headshot

William Greaves

Narrator
Langston Hughes's headshot

Langston Hughes

Himself
Duke Ellington's headshot

Duke Ellington

Himself
Alvin Ailey's headshot

Alvin Ailey

Himself
Aimé Césaire's headshot

Aimé Césaire

Himself
Léopold Sédar Senghor's headshot

Léopold Sédar Senghor

Himself

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