For more than a century, Black artists such as Josephine Baker, James Baldwin and Richard Wright have traveled to Paris to liberate themselves from the racism of the United States. Myth of a Colorblind France explores why.
"A must-see for anyone interested in Paris, history, and Black lives and culture – then and now." -James van Maanen, TRUSTMOVIES
Since the early 1900's, Black artists have traveled to France (usually Paris) to escape the racism they confronted in the U.S. What made these artistic innovators choose France?
And to what extent is France truly colorblind?
Myth of a Colorblind France investigates these questions by exploring the lives and careers of renowned African Americans who emigrated to Paris, including Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Augusta Savage, Beauford Delaney, and Barbara Chase-Riboud, and includes rare footage of Henry Ossawa Tanner in Paris. The film also features interviews with renowned author Michel Fabre, jazz aficionado Francis Hofstein, poet James Emanuel, historian Tyler Stovall, filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris, graffiti artist Quik, hip hop producer Ben the Glorious Bastard, African drummer Karim Toure, and many more.
"Artistry Abroad! A history of eminent African-Americans who have lived in France, interweaving the thoughts of Black artists residing there today with the stories of historical figures who traveled to the country beginning in the 19th century. This is a huge subject." - Ben Kenigsberg, THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Explores whether the country that has long been a haven for Black people...really is the enlightened refuge it has seemed to be." - Michael O’Sullivan & Ann Hornaday, THE WASHINGTON POST
