Miracle at St. Anna: Spike Lee & James McBride, in conversation with Paul Holdengräber

September 26, 2008

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Spike Lee's new film, Miracle at St. Anna, chronicles the story of four black American soldiers who are members of the US Army as part of the all African-American 92nd "Buffalo Soldier" Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy during World War II. Based on the novel and with screenplay by James McBride, it is a story about redemption and triumph over the bleakest of experiences.

The book, Miracle at St. Anna, The Motion Picture, is not only a visual tribute to this epic, but also to the countless African American soldiers who risked their lives for a country in which they were treated with less respect than the enemy they were fighting. The book includes costume designs, storyboard sketches, personal text by Spike Lee, a full script book, and archival material from the Second World War.

Spike Lee and James McBride will be in conversation with Paul Holdengräber to discuss this historical American story that exposes racism, guilt, courage, revenge, and forgiveness.

photo of James McBride, Sarah Leen

About Spike Lee

Spike Lee is an Emmy Award winning, and Academy Award-nominated American film director, producer, writer, and actor noted for his films dealing with controversial social and political issues. He also teaches film at Columbia University. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over thirty-five films since 1983, including Do the Right Thing, She's Gotta Have it, Malcolm X, and 25th Hour.

 

 

  

 

About James McBride

James McBride is an accomplished musician. He is the author of two novels: Miracle at St. Anna, now a major motion picture by director Spike Lee, and Song Yet Sung. McBride has written for The Washington Post, People, The Boston Globe, Essence, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. McBride is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University.

 

 

  

 

About Paul Holdengräber

Paul Holdengräber is the Director of Public Programs now known as "LIVE from the NYPL" for The Research Libraries of The New York Public Library.