The evening features a live reading by actor Mark Antony Howard of an excerpt from Baldwin’s “The Devil Finds Work,” followed by screenings
The UCLA Film & Television Archive will host a free screening and live reading event on July 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Billy Wilder Theater, celebrating the intersection of James Baldwin’s writings and cinema’s impact on racial and social consciousness.
The evening features a live reading by actor Mark Antony Howard of an excerpt from Baldwin’s “The Devil Finds Work,” followed by screenings of excerpts from four films that shaped the author’s perspective: “I Am Not Your Negro” (2017), “20,000 Years in Sing Sing” (1932), “You Only Live Once” (1937), and “My Son John” (1952). The program concludes with a restored screening of the documentary “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket” (1989).
“I Am Not Your Negro,” directed by Raoul Peck, channels Baldwin’s reflections on Hollywood and his friendships with civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the 4-minute excerpt examines cinema’s role in shaping racial consciousness.
“20,000 Years in Sing Sing,” a 1932 pre-Code prison drama directed by Michael Curtiz, features Spencer Tracy and Bette Davis. Baldwin credited the film’s raw depiction of the penal system with profoundly impacting his early cinematic experiences. The 18-minute excerpt highlights its blend of realism and melodrama.
Fritz Lang’s 1937 “You Only Live Once,” starring Henry Fonda and Sylvia Sidney, explores themes of injustice and fate in a 15-minute excerpt. Baldwin noted its influence on his understanding of persecution and identity.
“My Son John,” a 1952 Cold War melodrama directed by Leo McCarey, left a lasting impression on Baldwin during a time of personal isolation. The 15-minute excerpt showcases Helen Hayes’ portrayal of a mother grappling with political paranoia.
The 87-minute documentary “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket,” directed by Karen Thorsen, traces Baldwin’s life from his Harlem childhood to his years abroad, using interviews, archival footage, and re-enactments. Restored from 16mm negatives, it features Baldwin alongside Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka.
Admission is free, with no advance reservations required. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and the box office opens at 6:30 p.m.
