Native Son (1951): Film Noir UK

One of the most controversial novels of its day, Richard Wright's Native Son (first published in 1940) exposed the injustices of urban African-American life, witnessed through the eyes of Bigger Thomas (played here in this 1951 film adaptation by the author himself) whose violent tendencies and moral confusion were the natural result of a lifetime of deprivation.

Directed by French born film director Pierre Chenal, Native Son’s subject matter was so controversial that the producers weren’t allowed to film it in the United States and had to produce and shoot the film on location in Argentina. But even with the release of the film, Native Son was banned in most states and was lost for decades. 

This screening is presented in collaboration with BFI Audience Network, Bristol Festival of Ideas and Film Noir UK.

With thanks to Library of Congress, Kino International, Fernando Martin Peña and Argentina Sono Film.