JAZZ TALK

In Development …..The Captivating Story of Kansas City Jazz!

Jazz Talk! is an Interactive Video Exhibit, in development that explores what defines Kansas City jazz, why jazz developed in Kansas City, and who the architects were of the Kansas City style of jazz that captured the world’s attention.

"I REMEMBER 12TH STREET"

A captivating documentary film about the history of Kansas City’s storied 12th Street, the subject of song and jazz legends, as told through first hand accounts by people who recall the 1940’s and 1950’s, one of the most fascinating periods in the city’s history.

FRED AND ROZELLAR

“Takes a look at four generations of the Jamison family of Northeast Mississippi during a shameful period and a violent chapter in African American history. It is a story of the Jamison patriarch and matriarch, and how they developed a plan to keep their six children safe and with minimal contact with “Jim Crow” violence of the era. They accomplished this task by keeping their family focused on education and the pursuit of the word

18th STREET LIVES

18th Street Lives! in the memories of elders who experienced the area during the mid 20th century when it was the hub of Kansas City’s Black community. Theirs is the compelling story of how racism and segregation led to the development of a thriving commercial district that spawned a robust shopping and entertainment area that was self-contained and self-sufficient, meeting all the needs of its residents.

in development

Jazz

TALK

 

WHO WE ARE

Reel Images Film Group

We provide support for African American filmmakers, film projects and film screenings that positively depict African American culture.

Rodney Thompson – Project Director

“From the beginning what we set out to do is give voice to people who ordinarily wouldn’t get the opportunity to tell their stories in this medium and its gratifying to know we’ve been successful doing that.”

Stinson McClendon – Project Director

“Reel Images gives voice to filmmakers who are not a part of mainstream media. The films they produce allow Americans to see alternative views of others thereby offering them an opportunity to see a more complete view of the American experience.  “Film has the power to change the way we think about ourselves and our culture. Films have the capacity to influence people and lead them to new perspectives.”

Films

Supported by Reel Images

An Inconceivable Journey

A documentary film produced in cooperation with The Black Archives Youth
Coalition Network, (BAYCON) Chronicling African Americans journey in America
from 1619 – 2021 from a youthful perspective, with the youth as actors and
technicians.

MY MOTHER's CLUB

A documentary film, by Rodney M. Thompson, centering on African American women’s social clubs in Kansas City during the late 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s. The story, told from the perspectives of daughters of club members, focuses on the impact of these clubs on Kansas City’s African American community through their social activities, volunteerism, and social activism.

Conversation In Dance

“A Conversation In Dance,” a documentary that focuses on the Kansas City “Two Step,” a variation of the Jitterbug ballroom dance of the 1940’s that is unique to Kansas City. The film chronicles the spirited quest of 25 couples to win Kansas City’s $10,000 BIG STEP-OFF

Reel Images Film Group

Supporting Black film

about Us

We provide support for African American filmmakers,  film projects and film screenings that positively depict African American culture.

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