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Tribeca 2018 Review: The History of White People in America

“Family Sleeping” From THE HISTORY WHITE PEOPLE IN AMERICA. Photo credit: Ed Bell.

 

The History of White People in America tells the stories of how skin became color, color became race, and race became power. – The History of White People in America

There is seriously no other way to describe this film other than – FIRE! combining hiphop with history, the film dives deep into American history to answer the question on the Invention of Race. This film reminds me of an old song by Ras Kas – Nature of the Threat.  The film masterfully weaves in subtle beats with great lyrics to paint a vivid picture on where “race” first appeared in the US.

If you have a chance definitely check it out. It’s “A” fantastic and will definitely open dialogue.

Within the landscape of Bacon’s Rebellion. In 1676 Poor and impoverished Africans and Europeans rebel and this is  is pointed as the turning point in defining “White”

“Bacon Enters” From THE HISTORY WHITE PEOPLE IN AMERICA. Photo credit: Ed Bell.
“Indungo English Angolan Irish” From THE HISTORY WHITE PEOPLE IN AMERICA. Photo credit: Ed Bell.
“Hanging” From THE HISTORY WHITE PEOPLE IN AMERICA. Photo credit: Ed Bell.
“Slave Ship” From THE HISTORY WHITE PEOPLE IN AMERICA. Photo credit: Ed Bell.

 

Cast & Crew

Director: Ed Bell, Clementine Briand, Jon Halperin, Pierce Freelon, Aaron Keane, Drew Takahashi
Producer: Jon Halperin and Clementine Briand
Screenwriter: Pierce Freelon and Jon Halperin
Composer: Pierce Freelon and Aaron Keane
Editor: Drew Takahashi
Executive Producer for IVTS: Sally Jo Fifer
US Distributor: ITVS
Animator: Ed Bell
Animation Producer: Leslie Arvio

 

About the Directors

 

About the Director(s)

The History of White People in America was co-directed by a team of animators, musicians, and filmmakers—a collaborative process from beginning to end.