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Nelson George's Shortlist

Published on June 18, 2007

The Shortlist article series is your opportunity to learn about the films that inspire intellectual, artistic and activist leaders--leaders like writer and filmmaker Nelson George. We asked Nelson to share his favorite films and his thoughts on the power of documentary to change the world. So what films make Nelson George's Shortlist? Keep reading to find out.

Nelson George, photo by Jeff Vespa, � WireImage.com

Who is Nelson George?

Nelson George has been writing books and making films about the African-American experience since the late '70s. His books include The Death of Rhythm & Blues and Hip Hop America. He recently directed the HBO film, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah. His website is www.nelsongeorge.com.

Nelson George on the Power of Film

Traditionally, documentaries have taken us into places on the planet we'd never get to on our own or, more seriously, into which we'd never been allowed to peek. In the current corporate media environment docs have become repositories for alternative visions of world events and movements. In a world where news "reality" is increasingly virtual, documentaries have become like well-argued essays, telling stories with a pointed point of view.

Nelson's Film Picks

Roger & Me: Michael Moore's film is the "Rapper's Delight" of documentary, the film that foreshadowed a new era for doc filmmaking, both as a commercial and cultural force.

When the Levees Broke and Four Little Girls: You could argue that Spike Lee has had an erratic career as a feature film director, but his non-fiction work has been unfailingly brilliant. His New Orleans doc, in fact, is likely his greatest work.

Say Amen Somebody: When I first saw this film back in '82 it made me cry like a baby because I was so moved by the devotional power of gospel pioneers Thomas A. Dorsey and Willie May Ford. This is my favorite film by George Nirenberg.

The Last of the Blue Devils: Not as well known as Buena Vista, yet equally profound in capturing the sounds of a lost world. In this case it is a reunion of the greatest Kansas City jazzmen of the '30s with Count Basie, Big Joe Turner and some little known giants of a bygone era.

The "N" Word: I worked on this as an executive producer, but don't hold that against Todd Williams' Peabody Award winning film. It is a probing, funny look at a word people can't stop worrying about.

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten: Joe Strummer's years as leader of the Clash are put into sharp relief by old friend Julien Temple's sensitivity to the total man. Using Joe's own radio broadcasts, drawings and home movies, Temple paints an arresting portrait of a man who refused to be defined by his stardom.

I Remember Harlem: Bill Miles shot this three-part history of the legendary Manhattan neighborhood two decades ago. Viewed from the perspective of today's rapidly gentrifying Harlem, it screams out for a similarly perceptive sequel.

Streetcorner Stories: In this v�rit� look at black men hanging out before work at a New Haven store shot in the mid-'70s, Warrington Hudlin provides a window into the world of the black working class men with all their humor and humanity in tact.

Wattstax: This is a vision of a moment when black pride, black music and the vibrant politics of pre-gang South Central came together in triumph and love. Though Isaac Hayes is "Black Moses" and Jesse Jackson has a hall of a 'fro, it is the people of black Los Angeles who are the stars of this film (along with a magical Richard Pryor).

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