I'm A Negro - I'm an American

Session Submission Type: Film

Brief Description

GDR, 1989, 86 min, b&w
In German, with English Subtitles.

Biographical notes on the American singer, actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson (1898-1976). At the height of his fame and skill, Robeson's career was cut short by Cold War anti-Communist hysteria.

This documentary includes rarely shown historic footage of the US civil rights movement; clips of Robeson's speeches, performances and visits to the GDR and Soviet Union; and interviews with his son, Paul Robeson Jr., and the musicians and activists Harry Belafonte, Pete Seeger and Earl Robinson. Co-produced by the DEFA Studio for Documentary Film and the West Berlin film production company Chronos, with scenes shot in the U.S.

In the GDR, the American civil rights movement and Black activists—especially those on the left—were important symbols of socialist solidarity in the international struggle for racial, gender and economic equality. The name of Paul Robeson, doubly admired because of his virtuosity as a singer and actor, was known to every East German. In recounting Robeson's story, this documentary expresses admiration for the man and artist, which also making use of—and at times questioning—his role as a symbol.

Sub Unit

• Film Series

Introduced by

• Mariana Ivanova, University of Massachusetts

Questions and Answers Moderated by

• Mariana Ivanova, University of Massachusetts

Session Manager

• John Meyer, LASA