Join us for the Atlanta premiere of one of the most subversive films in Black cinema history. The Spook Who Sat by the Door meets Seven Samurai in a powder-keg action drama about Black resistance, collective power, and a town pushed to fight back. Set in 1966, Riverbend stars Steve James (I’m Gonna Git U Sucka) as one of three Black Vietnam soldiers who join forces with a determined local woman, played by Oscar-nominated actress Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), to organize a small Southern town against a violent racist sheriff. Directed by Sam Firstenberg (American Ninja), the film is a powerful story of Black self-determination, community, and collective action that remains fiercely relevant today. After a brief theatrical run and VHS release in 1990, Riverbend disappeared for decades. The recovery of its original 35mm elements made possible a painstaking, director-approved restoration. Now, more than 35 years later, this Georgia-set film will finally screen in Atlanta. The evening includes a post-screening conversation and Blu-ray signing with members of the cast and creative team. Scheduled guests include actors Margaret Avery, Julius Tennon (The Woman King), Alex Morris (Baskets), Vanessa Tate Goodrich, and Marcus Coleman; co-producer Valerie Coleman Vance; poster artist Aaron Kai; Debbi James (Daughter of Steve James); and restoration executive producer Michael J. Dennis of Reelblack Renaissance. Presented in partnership with Black Eye Film Club, Reelblack Renaissance, and the BronzeLens Film Festival. We will be presenting a 4K DCP sourced from a 6K restoration.
