A rediscovered and restored independent feature from 1994, Alma’s Rainbow delivers insightful and humorous portraits of middle-class African-American women in Brooklyn who must decide whether to adhere to social expectations or to determine their own path. With this restoration, director Ayoka Chenzira has reclaimed her chapter in independent film history.
“A gorgeous clarion call for our young Black girls, heralding the community, creativity and confidence that is the pride of our culture.” –Ann DuVernay, director, Selma (2014)
“Chenzira’s much celebrated and award winning early work is essential viewing today as much as it was when first released in 1994.” –Julie Dash, director, Daughters of the Dust (1991)
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Mizan Nunes (Ruby Gold) and Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) and Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Mizan Nunes (Ruby Gold) and Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Keyonn Sheppard (Pepper), Roger Pickering (Sea Breeze) and Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) at the Marquis de Lafayette monument in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) and Nun #1 (Ayoka Chenzira) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Mizan Nunes (Ruby Gold) and Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) and Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Mizan Nunes (Ruby Gold) and Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Keyonn Sheppard (Pepper), Roger Pickering (Sea Breeze) and Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Rainbow Gold) at the Marquis de Lafayette monument in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
Film still from Alma’s Rainbow (1993) directed by Ayoka Chenzira. Image courtesy of Kino Lorber.
Kim Weston-Moran (Alma Gold) and Nun #1 (Ayoka Chenzira) in Ayoka Chenzira’s Alma’s Rainbow, a 1993 film restored by the Academy Film Archive with funding by Film Foundation, released by Milestone Films.
About Rooftop Cinema
Bring a friend, bring a blanket or camp chairs, and prepare yourself for an evening of independent films and videos under the stars. Rooftop Cinema returns to the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden each Friday this August for its eighteenth season. Films begin at sundown, approximately 20 minutes after sunset.
Rooftop Cinema is $7 per screening/free for MMoCA members (including the free membership tier Friends of MMoCA) and ages 18 and younger. Admission is at the lobby reception desk beginning at 7:30 PM. Screenings relocate to the Lecture Hall if rain is predicted.
Rooftop Cinema is a program of MMoCA’s education department and is curated by James Kreul. MMoCA’s film programming is generously funded by maiahaus, Venture Investors, LLC and a gift from an anonymous donor.
Learn more about Rooftop Cinema and frequently asked questions.
