The First World Festival of Negro Arts

"This documentary film covers a 24-day arts festival in Dakar, Senegal that highlighted Black contributions to the cultural heritage of mankind and was attended by an extraordinary cast of over 2,000 luminaries - including Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Alvin Ailey, Aime Cesaire, and Leopold Senghor - from dozens of countries. The film depicts performances by African and American entertainers and shows various works of art while also providing unparalleled insight from the perspective of the African American delegation. The film was written and directed by William Greaves" (US National Archives).

Cast

William Greaves

Narrator

Langston Hughes

Himself

Duke Ellington

Himself

Alvin Ailey

Himself

Aimé Césaire

Himself

Léopold Sédar Senghor

Himself