Dante James Discusses His
Upcoming Film On Liberation Theology
Dante James is a multiple Emmy Award-winning independent filmmaker and educator. He has taught at Duke University and the University of Dayton.
James won an Emmy for producing the PBS documentary series Slavery and the Making of America, narrated by Morgan Freeman, and has received two Emmys for his work at WETA. His documentary Harlem in Montmartre: A Paris Jazz Story won Best Documentary at the Pan African International Film Festival in Cannes, and his film The Doll was recognized as Best Dramatic Short Film at the Hollywood Black Film Festival.
He executive-produced the PBS series This Far by Faith for Blackside Films and made films for two of Blackside’s DuPont Columbia Silver Baton-winning series. In 2010, he was a guest lecturer at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
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| The Visionary Architect of Black Theology Dr. James Cone |
"God of the Oppressed —
Stories of Black Liberation"
Continues After Sponsor's Messages Below...
"God of the Oppressed —
Stories of Black Liberation"
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1. Carl: What interested you in Liberation Theology?
Dante: I have always been committed to the liberation of Black people. My engagement with liberation theology began in 2002 as the executive producer for Blackside Films, PBS series This Far By Faith, which briefly addressed Black Liberation Theology. I met Dr. James Cone, read his works along with Dr. Gayraud Wilmore’s, and became familiar with Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright. Dr. Cone emphasized, “Any theology that is indifferent to liberation is not Christian theology.” This resonated with me.
Dr. Cone and I had a great working relationship, and for years, I wanted to create a film solely on Black Liberation Theology. I started the project with support from Dr. Cone and Dr. Wilmore in 2017. It paused after their deaths and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I resumed work in 2022.
2. Carl: Please describe the film.
Dante: First, I want to share that Dr. Cone supported using his book title, God of the Oppressed, as the film’s working title. However, we have expanded it to God of the Oppressed — Stories of Black Liberation. The logline is that we tell the story of Black American and Black South African Christians who view Christianity as a means for justice and liberation.
More specifically, it’s a feature documentary that explores the history and contemporary significance of Black Liberation Theology. It highlights the scholarship and narratives of Dr. Cone, Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon, South African Cleric Allan Aubrey Boesak, Rev. Pauli Murray, Rev. Traci Blackmon, and others, including lay Christians. Their stories are infused with spirituals, gospel, jazz, blues, poetry, art, and hip-hop as essential storytelling elements. God of the Oppressed— Stories of Black Liberation explores the link between Black Liberation Theology and Black Womanist Theology, ultimately defining the liberating relationships between God and the resilient Black community.
3. Carl: Many of your films were for PBS. Is this a PBS project?
Dante: No, PBS projects are constrained editorially by their funding structure and the politics of decision-makers. I’m not criticizing PBS, but my experiences have revealed the system’s limitations in exploring Black progressive, radical, or revolutionary narratives and interpretations. With my independent projects, I can explore humanity through the lens of complex Black experiences— “unfiltered.”
4. Carl: Talk to me about gaining support from scholars, practitioners, and participants for your projects.
Dante: Support and guidance are essential, and conducting thorough research is critical. This helps you ask thoughtful questions and show respect for the material. Being well-prepared is key when speaking with those who have dedicated their lives to a subject.
Understanding scholarship’s impact on filmmaking is essential, particularly in developing story, character, and narrative structure. This was key to the Blackside storytelling approach. I had the privilege of working with Blackside’s founder, Henry Hampton, and discussing filmmaking with pioneers like Mr. Gordon Parks and St. Clair Bourne. Respecting scholarship and the legacy of Black filmmaking is vital for securing support and participation.
Working relationships are also crucial. Fortunately, we have Kara Mathis, an exceptional researcher, associate producer, and member of the Blackside family. She will lead our exploration of Black Womanist Theology and the scholarship of Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Dr. Renita Weems, Dr. Emily Townes, and other Black women scholars and activists.
5. Carl: Talk to me about financial support for God of the Oppressed.
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Dante: Across America, we are witnessing a rise in racial tensions and an increasing influence of Christian nationalism within our political landscape. Right-wing white Christians are shaping policies that undermine Black liberation, further challenging us to unite and resist.
Our grant proposals to major foundations have not received support. Liberation Theology challenges existing power structures. Consequently, mainstream foundations and PBS are reluctant to fund projects that do so. Therefore, we must invest in our narratives and continue pursuing support from progressive entities. Rev. Graylan Hagler, pastor emeritus of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C., and Rev. William Lamar, pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C., are rallying support for the project.
Carl: Do you have any closing comments?
Dante: The film will share the stories of historical and contemporary religious leaders, icons, and everyday Black Christians willing to fight for liberation. The project seeks support from all these entities, particularly Black women, to support our exploration of Black Womanist Theology. To make a tax-deductible donation to God of the Oppressed—Stories of Black Liberation, please visit https://rebrand.ly/gotodocfilm
Carl: Thank you, Dante—best wishes for a great film.
Dante: Thank you for your interest in the project. Faith has sustained Black people for centuries. I have faith that this project will garner tremendous support.
Be sure to follow the film on Facebook and visit the official website at https://blackpearlmw.com/
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nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.
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