Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1935 Vision of Fred Waller
The evocative power of Is My Face Black? stems from the unique collaboration between the bold experimentation that has become synonymous with Fred Waller. Framed by the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the production, it echoes the profound changes occurring in United States during that era.
In Is My Face Black?, Fred Waller pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Slow-Burn |
| Art Direction | Brutalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Fred Waller's style and the core Comedy narrative.
Molasses and January go on the air to create headaches to stimulate sales of headache remedy, but they are too good and headaches disappear. Faced with ruin, the sponsor goes back to the original hillbillys who bring the headaches back.
Decades after its release, Is My Face Black? remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Fred Waller's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.