Alma's Rainbow

Alma's Rainbow is American coming-of-age film directed by Ayoka Chenzira originally released in 1994.[1] A restoration of the film, presented by Julie Dash, was released to theaters and streaming in 2022.[2] The film received positive reviews from critics and was included in Slate's 2023 list of the 75 greatest movies by Black directors.[3][4]

Alma's Rainbow
Directed byAyoka Chenzira
Written byAyoka Chenzira
Produced byAyoka Chenzira
Howard Brickner
Charles Lane
StarringKim Weston-Moran
Victoria Gabrielle Platt
Mizan Kirby
CinematographyRonald K. Gray
Edited byLillian Benson
Music byJean-Paul Bourelly
Release date
  • June 23, 1994 (1994-06-23)
Running time
85 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

A Brooklyn teenager experiences the pangs and joys of coming of age with her slightly aloof mother and visiting show business aunt.

Cast
  • Kim Weston-Moran as Alma Gold
  • Victoria Gabrielle Platt as Rainbow Gold
  • Mizan Kirby as Ruby Gold (as Mizan Nunes)
  • Lee Dobson as Blue
  • Jennifer Copeland as Babs
  • Keyonn Sheppard as Pepper
  • Roger Pickering as Sea Breeze
  • Sydney Best as William B. Underdo III
  • Dakota Jackson-Brewer as Rainbow as a Baby
  • Sandra Daley as Cynthia
  • M. LaVora Perry as Nzingha (as Lavora Perry)
  • Murtell Dortch as Beauty Parlour Customer
  • Teri Dunbar as Beauty Parlour Customer
  • Constance Carter as Beauty Parlour Customer
  • Jeanne Nedd as Beauty Parlour Customer
  • Ayoka Chenzira as Nun #1
  • Lydia Trueheart as Nun #2

Release and restoration

The 35 mm feature film was self-funded by Chenzira and originally debuted in 1994, but did not receive widespread distribution.[5][4] In 2022, the film was restored in 4K resolution by the Academy Film Archive, Film Foundation, and Milestone Films and had a theatrical run.[6]

Critical reception

On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 79% with an average rating of 6 out of 10, based on 14 reviews.[3]

References
  1. "Alma's Rainbow Film Review: Three Decades Later, Ayoka Chenzira's Debut Retains Its Power". 2022-07-28. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  2. Lattanzio, Ryan (2022-07-13). "'Alma's Rainbow' Trailer: Rediscover an Unsung '90s Gem About Black Womanhood in Brooklyn". IndieWire. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  3. "Alma's Rainbow". Rotten Tomatoes.
  4. Harris, Aisha; Kois, Dan (2023-02-27). "The New Black Film Canon". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  5. Tinubu, Aramide A. (2023-02-20). "18 Wonderful Films About Black Girlhood and the Coming-of-Age Experience". IndieWire. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  6. Gates, Marya E. "Feel the Love: Ayoka Chenzira on Alma's Rainbow | Interviews | Roger Ebert". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
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