Why Is We Americans?

Regular: $14 / $10 Matinee
Members: $10 / $5 Matinee

Genre

---

Release Year

2021

Director

Udi Aloni, Ayana Stafford-Morris

Country

USA

Runtime

101 min

Now Playing!
FREE Community Screening:
February 19 at 2 PM
(Free Ticket Required, Click HERE to Reserve)

Click BUY TICKETS for All Showtimes

By turns kinetic and intimate, WHY IS WE AMERICANS? is an in-depth, cinematic exploration of Newark’s legendary Baraka family, the patriarch of which being the one and only Amiri Baraka (formerly known as LeRoi Jones), one of the most prodigious African American poet/playwright/activists of our time. From the Newark Rebellion of 1967 to current day, the city’s narrative has been one of revolution with each generation picking up where the previous had left off. WHY IS WE AMERICANS? weighs in on Newark’s struggle against oppression through the personal triumphs and tragedies of the Baraka family — from Amiri’s civil rights leadership and ultimate artistic marginalization, to the horrific murder of his sister, Kimako, through the homicide of daughter Shani (one of the first openly gay black activists) to the historic election of Ras Baraka as mayor of Newark, NJ…and through it all, it is the matriarch, Amina Baraka, who emerges as the story’s lodestar and moral compass. Spanning decades of social activism, poetry, music, art, and politics, this kaleidoscopic family saga is framed by on-camera interviews with Ms. Lauryn Hill and local civil rights leaders, rare archival footage and revealing personal testimonials. As we connect with the iconoclastic poet Amiri Baraka, his wife, Amina, and their son, Ras, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice.

Q&A with co-directors Udi Aloni and Ayana Stafford-Morris to follow Saturday’s free screening.

Presented in Partnership with

All screenings at The Clairidge require proof of vaccination and masks when not eating or drinking. Please visit this page for our full set of COVID-19 safety protocols.

Featured Films in this Series:

coming soon

Netflix Short Nominees: Anuja & The Only Girl in the Orchestra

February 17

Netflix presents a one-time screening of two short film Oscar® nominees for a special showcase at The Clairidge!

coming soon

Oscar Shorts 2025: Live Action

February 14 - 20

Don’t miss your chance to see the five films nominated for Best Live Action Short Film!  Featuring A LIEN, ANUJA, I’M NOT A ROBOT, THE LAST RANGER, and THE MAN WHO COULD NOT REMAIN SILENT.

coming soon

Oscar Shorts 2025: Documentary

February 14 - 20

Don’t miss your chance to see the five films nominated for Best Documentary Short Film!  Featuring DEATH BY NUMBERS, I AM READY WARDEN, INCIDENT, INSTRUMENTS OF A BEATING HEART, and THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA.

coming soon

Oscar Shorts 2025: Animation

February 14 - 20

Don’t miss your chance to see the five films nominated for Best Animation Short Film!  Featuring BEAUTIFUL MEN, IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS, MAGIC CANDIES, WANDER TO WONDER, and YUCK!

coming soon

Lifers

March 11

Shot in real time during a blistering performance at venerable Chicago music venue the Metro, LIFERS depicts a night out at a Local H concert as an energetic, funny, and borderline psychedelic cinematic experience.

NOt a montclair film member?

Join over 1,500 happy members who get early access to events and screenings throughout the year.