Directed by
Barron, Evelyn, American
Subject of
Van Der Zee, James, American, 1886 - 1983
Published by
Filmakers Library Inc., American, 1969 - 2011
Owned by
D.C. Public Library, American, founded 1896
Date
1977
Medium
acetate film
Dimensions
Duration: 20 Minutes
Length (Film): 700 Feet
Caption
An intimate look into the life and career of Harlem photographer, James Van Der Zee. Van Der Zee recollects his personal and professional development as one of America’s most influential photographers of the twentieth century. Directed and produced by Evelyn Barron for New York’s WNBC-TV, this is a twenty minute documentary primarily narrated by Van Der Zee himself.
This film was a part of the Washington D.C. Public Library's circulating 16mm film collection housed at the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Library. The collection is particularly noted for the wide variety of African American and African diaspora content.
Description
A documentary film with the title Uncommon Images: James Van Der Zee. It consists of a single reel of color 16mm acetate film with an optical sound track.
Directed and produced by Evelyn Barron for New York’s WNBC-TV, this is a twenty-minute documentary primarily narrated by Van Der Zee himself. Ninety years old at the time of production, he recalls his early interest in photography and music, and the development of his photographic practices overtime. Van Der Zee emphasizes the impact of his second wife, Gaynella Greenlee, as an instrumental influence in the success of his Harlem-based studio throughout the twenties and thirties, the peak of the Harlem Renaissance. The film utilizes Van Der Zee’s extensive photography portfolio to compliment the narration.
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Place filmed
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
DC Public Library Film Collection
Classification
Time-based Media - Moving Images
Movement
Harlem Renaissance (New Negro Movement)
Type
documentary television programs
sound films
color films (visual works)
short subjects
16mm (photographic film size)
Topic
Documentary films
Film
Men
Photography
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.55.20.1a
Restrictions & Rights
Restrictions likely apply. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f047c068-3ef2-477f-94ab-e6d3c7bc85db

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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