An Independent Film Company specializing in Black History and Cultural Documentaries.

Blue Lion Film is a New York-based production company of producer/director/editor Joanne Burke and producer/writer/cameraman David Burke.

Since moving to Paris in 1986, the Burkes have written and produced independent films together under their company Blue Lion Film Inc., including series on innovative women in Mali, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and Guatemala.

Previews

Trailer Paris Noir - African Americans In The City Of Light.mov

Paris Noir

African Americans in the City of Light features post-WWII expatriates Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Miles Davis, Sidney Bechet, and others, and concludes with the situation of African Americans and Black French people in France today.

Fighting for Respect trailer.mp4

Fighting for Respect

This documentary captures the plight of African American soldiers who fought for France in WWI, receiving the Croix de Guerre military decoration from France, while still fighting discrimination and hatred at home in America.

mary lou preview.mp4

Music on my Mind

A musical genius and pioneer, pianist Mary Lou Williams (May 8, 1910 – May 28, 1981) was known as the Grand Dame Of Jazz. She wrote and arranged for the likes of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. She was a mentor to Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Tadd Dameron, Dizzy Gillespie and many more! (Color, 1989, 1 Hour).

This two-part series of short videos brings to life the pioneering years of the African American presence in Paris. Each video reveals how France, and Paris in particular, became their bridge from a racially segregated USA to great achievement in the wider world.

No other film series assembles this early, vital period of the African American experience abroad into one unit. Archives around the world were scoured to unearth the wealth of rare images.

Trailer - WHEN AFRICAN AMERICANS CAME TO PARIS PART # 1 (360p).mov

When African Americans came to Paris #1

Trailer- WHEN AFRICAN AMERICANS CAME TO PARIS PART # 2 (480p).mov

When African Americans came to Paris #2

Working women in Developing Countries

A film series by Joanne Burke from the early 80s which followed the lives of three women from different parts of the world, working as sole income earners to support their families.

Zimbabwe

Thailand

Guatamala

Paris Noir Film Companion Booklet

This 83-page book is full of quality photos, engaging text, and includes a list of recommended reading and media plus sources of archival material. This book acts as a stand-alone resource or as a comprehensive extension of the Paris Noir documentary.

See our films

All films are available for personal streaming, civic institution / organization rentals. Please contact by pressing the email icon below.

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