I just finished my first novel called MANCHILD AT YALE, and Michael shows up in it. He really believed in us when we needed it. He also showed us a lot of silent movies. My deep appreciation for Fellini’s “8 1/2” is due to him.
If you are a truth seeker, then you have met a right person who has seen the truth or light within as it is. My posts are about what helped me in my inner journey.
What a lovely tribute! I saw a screening during my NYU film school days that featured a surprise appearance from Abbey Lincoln. She spoke of Roemer, Dixon, and the film itself with a depth and warmth I still feel today.
Gorgeous tribute to Roemer. I remember seeing NOTHING BUT A MAN some 40 years ago and being blown away that a film could convey such depth of feeling. Ava, thanks for writing this and capturing the magic.
One of my favorite movies. So gorgeous, elegant, and beautifully stoic. I saw this in a film class in the early 90s. Thank you for sharing this. I think I have the DVD. Time to go searching... ❤️
Thank you for sharing this film, I never saw the film but knew of its stars from documentaries on Black cinema and TV icons, and I knew nothing of Mr. Roemer. At a time when there is so much division - and even more when Mr. Roemer was travelling this country and made this film - it is an important reminder that when we look at each other and see each other's humanity, as Mr. Roemer did, divisions can fall away and something true, universal and beautiful can be created, grow, and bind us together more closely.
A great, great movie. I don't remember who encouraged me to watch it 30 years ago, but I appreciate you introducing it to a whole new generation or two, Ava.
I remember seeing this movie and feeling honored to be a black girl. No one could represent like Miss Abbey Lincoln and when she began to wear her hair natural (afro) I felt such pride because it was more than a look it was a statement that truly "Black Is Beautiful!" This movie was so poignant. So true, so daring, so honest and defiant in its beauty and raw story telling. Dignity is hard to describe and a black man with dignity, well-- no words. It's like Sidney Poitier saying "They call me Mister Tibbs!" But Ivan Dixon, he let us see it without saying it, that's film brilliance! Cheers to Michael Roemer!
Michael Roemer was one of my professors. He taught me how to be a filmmaker, and even better yet, he taught me how to be an actor. Thank you for this tribute, Ava. Here's my piece on Michael from a few years ago on Medium: https://bthomas-94250.medium.com/praise-song-for-the-day-mentors-matter-michael-roemer-8273885673b0
Thanks for sharing this.
I just finished my first novel called MANCHILD AT YALE, and Michael shows up in it. He really believed in us when we needed it. He also showed us a lot of silent movies. My deep appreciation for Fellini’s “8 1/2” is due to him.
I wish we all could watch it together... with Ava. 🙂🍿🎞️
https://youtu.be/naV9hrF5sIo?si=oRwA5Mz4Few8_1u8
Me toooo!
Thank you for the link! You answered my first question!
Thanks for sharing!!
Appreciate the link and you!
🙂🙏🏼
Thanks for this. I will definitely watch it.
Added to my watch list together with Selma and 13th. Thanks for sharing.
Most welcome. 🙂
Selma is an extraordinary film.
13th is a must-see documentary. From memory, I think I learnt about "ALEC" for the first time from this. Very informative.
Enjoy.
If you are a truth seeker, then you have met a right person who has seen the truth or light within as it is. My posts are about what helped me in my inner journey.
What a lovely tribute! I saw a screening during my NYU film school days that featured a surprise appearance from Abbey Lincoln. She spoke of Roemer, Dixon, and the film itself with a depth and warmth I still feel today.
Wow wow wow!!!!
One of the best films ever made.
Gorgeous tribute to Roemer. I remember seeing NOTHING BUT A MAN some 40 years ago and being blown away that a film could convey such depth of feeling. Ava, thanks for writing this and capturing the magic.
It's one of Ivan Dixon's most underrated and brilliant films and oh how I love Abbey Lincoln!!
Yes, indeed. Both are swoon-worthy in this film!
I'll have to add this to my watchlist for sure, thank you!!
Hope you enjoy!
Thank you for this powerful portrayal, and for reminding us just what "independent cinema can dare to do and be".
🫶🏾
My father, Julius Harris’s first film! What a gorgeous heartbreaking film…
One of my favorite movies. So gorgeous, elegant, and beautifully stoic. I saw this in a film class in the early 90s. Thank you for sharing this. I think I have the DVD. Time to go searching... ❤️
Always a good rewatch!
Thank you for sharing this film, I never saw the film but knew of its stars from documentaries on Black cinema and TV icons, and I knew nothing of Mr. Roemer. At a time when there is so much division - and even more when Mr. Roemer was travelling this country and made this film - it is an important reminder that when we look at each other and see each other's humanity, as Mr. Roemer did, divisions can fall away and something true, universal and beautiful can be created, grow, and bind us together more closely.
Amen to that.
A great, great movie. I don't remember who encouraged me to watch it 30 years ago, but I appreciate you introducing it to a whole new generation or two, Ava.
Love "Nothing..." & saw it when there was nothing else like it. Would love attend a screening & chat with Ava.
Thank you for this thoughtful tribute, Ava.
Hi, Rob! 👋🏾
I remember seeing this movie and feeling honored to be a black girl. No one could represent like Miss Abbey Lincoln and when she began to wear her hair natural (afro) I felt such pride because it was more than a look it was a statement that truly "Black Is Beautiful!" This movie was so poignant. So true, so daring, so honest and defiant in its beauty and raw story telling. Dignity is hard to describe and a black man with dignity, well-- no words. It's like Sidney Poitier saying "They call me Mister Tibbs!" But Ivan Dixon, he let us see it without saying it, that's film brilliance! Cheers to Michael Roemer!
Thanks Ava, for this walk down memory lane.
“Dignity is hard to describe and a Black man with dignity, well — no words.” Ain’t that the truth! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
Thank you! This testimony brought tears to my eyes. I’ve never seen it but will.
I appreciate you!
Blessings!