Initially released on VHS analog cassette in 1990, the Civil Rights era drama “Riverbend” has been recently uncovered from the Amazon MGM archives and restored. This lovingly reconstructed gem has been repurposed into a pristine 35mm print, and was the subject of a one night only screening on October 14 at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre.
Conceived and written by Vietnam veteran Samuel Vance and his wife Valerie Coleman Vance, it was based on Purple Heart recipient Samuel’s experiences in that conflict.
The film’s restoration was a labor of love by the Los Angeles non-profit American Cinematheque in tandem with Michael J. Dennis and his Reelblack Renaissance. Dennis launched Reelblack as a Black-owned boutique in his native Philadelphia, specializing in restoring and reissuing lost classics of the African Diaspora.
“My hope is by making it available on physical media fans can experience this lost gem,” he said.
The film covers the exploits of three Black Vietnam veterans who band together to deliver a southern town from the tyranny of the racist power structure. In the vein of landmark sagas like “Seven Samurai,” and “The Magnificent Seven,” the protagonists prompt the townspeople into overthrowing their oppressors and focus media attention on injustice in the Jim Crow south.
It stars the late Steve James, Julius Tennon, and Alex Morris, along with Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery.
Coming a full decade after the historic “Blaxploitation” sub-genre of cinema between the 1960s and 1979, “Riverbend” distinguishes itself with an essentially positive message of Black resistance and self-determination.
On hand for its premiere screening at the Aero Theatre were cast members Avery, Morris, and Tennon. Tennon’s wife, EGOT (denoting her receiving Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards) winner Viola Davis was a surprise guest in the audience to support her husband Julius Tennon, who counts “Riverbend” as a foundation in establishing his own theatrical career.
Prior to the screening, Davis presented a bouquet of flowers to Avery, in acknowledgment of her as a role model to the generations of Black actresses who followed her.
Also present was lead actor Steve James’ daughter Debbi, who is forging her own career as a dancer and singer, performing with major musical acts such as Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, and Usher. Steve James established a global presence as an actor and martial artist in over 50 films before succumbing to pancreatic cancer in 1993.
Dennis, also known as Mike Dee, an American Film Institute and New York University grad, serves as executive producer of “Riverbend’s” restoration along with director Sam Firstenberg.
He revealed his own motivation behind establishing Reelblack and restoring this lost relic of independent cinema.
“I’m committed to the discovery and recovery of Black film throughout the world,” he says.
This latest project is a testament to that commitment and an attraction for contemporary audiences.
“Riverbend is not only great entertainment, but it still carries a relevant message.”
The night’s event is the initial step for future screenings around the country, before the movie’s release on Blue Ray in June.
Other Reelblack projects include interviews with Dick Gregory, and “The Thirteenth Amendment,” a documentary chronicling a 90 year old Black women’s efforts to vote for Barack Obama in the 2006 presidential election.
See the “Riverbend” trailer at the Reelblack website here at https://www.reelblack.com/riverbend-restored.