A New Wave in American Cinema

What exactly is the new wave in American cinema? Is it Tyler Perry making power moves or is it young filmmakers like Pete Chatmon producing and directing films that keep big time and local theatres thriving. Hopefully the new wave doesn't represent losing all of the vintage venues that paved the way for so many us in the film, photo and media worlds. Recently, here in Baltimore the waves have begun to splash. This past month the infamous "Senator Theatre" closed it's doors for the last time.

Like many other photographers and news media I took my crack at capturing some of the "Senator's" history. Oddly, I came across a name with the likeness of mine, "Butterfly McQueen". She was an actress in the mid 1900's. Her most famous role was that of a maid in, "Gone with the wind". Of course not being a native of Baltimore that bit of history was a major surprise. On a larger scale it was a reminder of what American Cinema was designed to be. A place for hope, possibility and opportunity for something new and fresh for all to take part in.

Looking back on my childhood I don't recall having a platform to express myself by way of the arts or visual media. So now that I have that opportunity daily, I strongly urge anyone who reads this blog to support your local filmmakers, photographers and media specialist. We're the last of the true breed in American Cinema.

Comments

GECWA said…

I get chills everytime I see your progression.

May 7, 2009 at 9:16 PM

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