Alma's Rainbow is American coming-of-age film directed by Ayoka Chenzira originally released in 1994.[1] A restoration of the film, presented by Julie Dash, was released to theaters and streaming in 2022.[2] The film received positive reviews from critics and was included in Slate's 2023 list of the 75 greatest movies by Black directors.[3][4]
| Alma's Rainbow | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ayoka Chenzira |
| Written by | Ayoka Chenzira |
| Produced by | Ayoka Chenzira Howard Brickner Charles Lane |
| Starring | Kim Weston-Moran Victoria Gabrielle Platt Mizan Kirby |
| Cinematography | Ronald K. Gray |
| Edited by | Lillian Benson |
| Music by | Jean-Paul Bourelly |
Release date |
|
Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editThis article needs an improved plot summary. (June 2023) |
A Brooklyn teenager experiences the pangs and joys of coming of age with her slightly aloof mother and visiting show business aunt.
Cast
edit- Kim Weston-Moran as Alma Gold
- Victoria Gabrielle Platt as Rainbow Gold
- Mizan Kirby as Ruby Gold (as Mizan Nunes)
- Lee Dobson as Blue
- Isaiah Washington as Miles
- Jennifer Copeland as Babs
- Keyonn Sheppard as Pepper
- Roger Pickering as Sea Breeze
- Sydney Best as William B. Underdo III
- Dakota Jackson-Brewer as Rainbow as a Baby
- Sandra Daley as Cynthia
- M. LaVora Perry as Nzingha (as Lavora Perry)
- Murtell Dortch as Beauty Parlour Customer
- Teri Dunbar as Beauty Parlour Customer
- Constance Carter as Beauty Parlour Customer
- Jeanne Nedd as Beauty Parlour Customer
- Ayoka Chenzira as Nun #1
- Lydia Trueheart as Nun #2
Release and restoration
editThe 35 mm feature film was self-funded by Chenzira and originally debuted in 1994, but did not receive widespread distribution.[5][4] In 2022, the film was restored in 4K resolution by the Academy Film Archive, Film Foundation, and Milestone Films and had a theatrical run.[6]
Critical reception
editOn the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 79% with an average rating of 6 out of 10, based on 14 reviews.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Alma's Rainbow Film Review: Three Decades Later, Ayoka Chenzira's Debut Retains Its Power". 2022-07-28. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
- ^ Lattanzio, Ryan (2022-07-13). "'Alma's Rainbow' Trailer: Rediscover an Unsung '90s Gem About Black Womanhood in Brooklyn". IndieWire. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
- ^ a b "Alma's Rainbow". Rotten Tomatoes.
- ^ a b Harris, Aisha; Kois, Dan (2023-02-27). "The New Black Film Canon". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
- ^ Tinubu, Aramide A. (2023-02-20). "18 Wonderful Films About Black Girlhood and the Coming-of-Age Experience". IndieWire. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
- ^ Gates, Marya E. "Feel the Love: Ayoka Chenzira on Alma's Rainbow | Interviews | Roger Ebert". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 2023-03-03.