Native Son

(Argentina/1951—directed by Pierre Chenal)  

One of the most controversial novels of its day, Richard Wright's Native Son (first published in 1940) exposed the relentless injustices of urban Black life, as seen through the eyes of the main character, the complicated, violent chauffeur-turned-murderer Bigger Thomas. In prison for murder and sentenced to death, Thomas reflects on the circumstances that led to his fate.

Wright himself stars in this new restoration of the 1951 film adaptation. Native Son is preceded by a filmed introduction by the historian Jacqueline Najima Stewart. (84 min.) 

This program is part of a companion series of film and music events presented in celebration of Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971, on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts Feb. 4–June 23, 2024. Regeneration is organized by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.