Cane River is a 1982 American romantic drama independent film that was lost until its rediscovery in 2013 and its subsequent re-release in 2018 and beyond. It was written, produced, and directed by Horace B. Jenkins. The film features the lives of African Americans in the US state of Louisiana. While the film premiered in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1982, Horace Jenkins died before the film could be released in New York City and beyond. The film was considered lost until a negative was recovered in 2013. Following its re-release, Cane River received critical acclaim. Highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, it was lauded for its exploration of racial history and blending romance with political undertones. Despite some noted technical limitations, critics highlighted its pioneering portrayal of black experiences and its significance in American cinema. Storyline: Written, produced, and directed by the late Emmy Award-winning Horace B. Jenkins, financed by the prominent New Orleans' Rhodes family, and crafted by an entirely African American cast and crew - CANE RIVER is a historically informed love story set in Louisiana's Natchitoches Parish, a "free community of color." Aspiring writer and hopeless romantic Peter - former athlete and scion of an elite Creole family - returns to his hometown and immediately falls for a breathtaking historical tour guide, Maria. Maria's disenfranchised, darker-skinned family disapprove of Peter's family and condemn their burgeoning romance while highlighting the painful legacy of colorism in their tightly-knit community. The lovers must work through Peter's contentious family legacy as privileged, former slave-owning, light-skinned Creoles if they want their romance to survive. Synopsis: The New Orleans Film Society described the film, "Cane River is set near Natchitoches, in one of the first 'free communities of color.' Richard Romain plays Peter Metoyer, home to fight for his land, and Tommye Myrick plays the headstrong Maria Mathis, reluctant to succumb to his charms just because he's the scion of a famous family. Together they confront schisms of class, color and complexion within the black community that threaten to keep them apart and that still roil America today." Themes: Cane River delves into the intricacies of independence and the burdens of personal and collective history. A significant focus is placed on racial identities, emphasizing the interplay between race, complexion, class and societal structure. The economic disparities prevalent in society are not left unaddressed, along with the legacy of Black American history. The story also touches upon the nuances of forbidden romance, and the web of relationships that individuals navigate through. History, both personal and cultural, especially as it pertains to Louisiana, is a recurring theme, The film sheds light on the importance of personal and collective identity, intellect, and the significance of one's roots. Racial complexities and the trauma of slavery are meticulously explored, further delving into the caste systems that still have remnants in society. Themes of love are omnipresent, intertwined with land ownership and its implications. Lastly, the film brings to the fore conflicts revolving around class and skin color, emphasizing the significance of heritage. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:
Starring Tommye Myrick, Richard Romain, Barbara Tasker
Dir. Horace B. Jenkins
