BLUE LION FILM

FILMS

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.

Josephine Baker was a Black American woman who came to Paris to discover her enormous talents to inspire for generations.

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.

BlueLionFilm features a documentary on African American Soldiers who fought and died for France in WWI

When African Americans came to Paris

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.

BlueLionFilm documentary on the pioneering African American artisans, musicians and writers who came to Paris

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).

BlueLionFilm featured documentary on Mary Lou Williams, a pioneering Black American woman jazz pianist.

Companion Book - PARIS NOIR

This 83 page book features archival photos, engaging text, plus augmented reality content that delivers additional film and footage. Includes a list of recommended reading and media plus sources of archival material. It can serve as a valuable stand-alone resource or a comprehensive extension of the Paris Noir documentary.