Watch Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart is a documentary film that explores the life and legacy of the trailblazing playwright and activist, Lorraine Hansberry. The film is directed by Tracy Heather Strain and stars Anika Noni Rose as the voice of Lorraine Hansberry and LaTanya Richardson Jackson as the narrator. The film takes the viewer on a journey through Hansberry's extraordinary life, beginning with her childhood in segregated Chicago in the 1930s and 1940s. We learn about Hansberry's family background and the influence of her father, a prominent real estate broker and civil rights activist, on her political views and activism.

Hansberry first gained national prominence with the debut of her groundbreaking play, A Raisin in the Sun, in 1959. The play, which was inspired by Hansberry's family experiences, was the first to be written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway. The film explores the cultural and political significance of A Raisin in the Sun, as well as the complex themes of race, class, and identity that are central to the play.

In addition to her work as a playwright, Hansberry was also a passionate activist and advocate for social justice. The film examines her involvement in various political and social movements, including her work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), her advocacy for LGBTQ rights, and her outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War.

Throughout the film, we hear from a range of scholars, artists, activists, and family members, who offer insights into Hansberry's life and work. Interviews with Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, and others highlight the impact of her legacy on African American culture and the broader social and political landscape of the United States.

One of the strengths of Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart is its attention to the ways in which Hansberry's life and work intersected with broader social and political movements of the time. The film contextualizes Hansberry's activism within the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Movement, and the Gay Rights Movement, demonstrating the connections between these struggles for justice and equality.

The film also sheds light on the personal struggles that Hansberry faced throughout her life, including her battles with racism, sexism, and illness. We learn about Hansberry's struggles with depression, her complicated relationship with her mother, and her experiences as a lesbian in a society that was deeply hostile to LGBTQ people.

Overall, Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart is a rich and engaging portrait of a remarkable woman who broke down barriers and challenged the status quo. The film does an excellent job of celebrating Hansberry's accomplishments while also recognizing the challenges and contradictions of her life and legacy. Anika Noni Rose and LaTanya Richardson Jackson give powerful performances that bring Hansberry's voice and story to life, making the film a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of American culture and activism.

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.