Black history highlights in ‘Malcolm X’

Under the theme of 'Black history', the weekly film screening at the American Centre Colombo will release 'Malcolm X' 1992 biographical feature of Malcolm X, the famous African American leader. A film on a self-made leader who makes a successful life for himself after experiencing abject poverty, prejudice, and racism as a youth and prison as a young man, the film also confronts racial prejudice, discrimination, and violence experienced by many black people in America.

Directed by Spike Lee, the autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley, Denzel Washington was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as the protagonist. Born Malcolm Little, his father (a minister) was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. He became a gangster, and while in jail discovered the Nation of Islam writings of Elijah Muhammad. He preaches the teachings when let out of jail, but later on goes on a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, there he converts to the original Islamic religion and becomes a Sunni Muslim. He changes his name to El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz and stops his anti-white teachings, as he realizes the error of his mistakes. He is later on assassinated and dies a Muslim Martyr.

Produced by Marvin Worth, Spike Lee, Ahmed Murad, the film stars by Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Theresa Randle, Kate Vernon, Lonette McKee and Tommy Hollis 'Malcolm X' is the first non-documentary, and the first American-produced film, to be given permission to film in Mecca (or within the Haram Sharif). A second film crew had to be hired to film in Mecca because non-Muslims are not allowed inside the city.

The film's opening scene depicts Boston in the 1940s which was actually shot in Ridgewood, Queens, New York City. The film will be screened at 6 pm on Tuesday, February 12 at the American Centre, Galle Road, Colombo-03.