If Beale Street Could Talk in collaboration with Vereniging Antilliaans Netwerk

On Saturday 9 February, the Vereniging Antilliaans Netwerk, Stichting OCaN and Rialto together present two films with reference to the influential black American writer James Baldwin (1924-1987), who powerfully addressed racial, social and sexual issues in his novels.

If Beale Street Could Talk
Three years ago, American director Barry Jenkins surprised the (film) world with his warm, subtle film Moonlight, centring on the intimacy of human relationships. The film was a great success and won 226 awards worldwide, including the Oscar for Best Motion Picture. The story of his new feature, If Beale Street Could Talk, based on the eponymous novel by James Baldwin, again focuses on the love between two people.

Harlem, New York, early 1970s: Clementine 'Tish' Rivers and Alonzo 'Fonny' Hunt have been friends for a long time, but at twenty, they realize that their feelings surpass friendship. Their love is deep and unconditional, they dream of a future together. Suddenly, their lives take a wrong turn: Fonny is falsely accused of rape and ends up in jail. Soon after, Tish discovers that she is pregnant. Together with her family, who supports her in everything, she seeks to prove Fonny's innocence.

Note: This film is part of a double bill with I Am Not Your Negro. Click on the link!

After this film Albert's Caribbean Smile catering will serve some delicious Caribbean food in Rialto's café.