African Woman, USA

African Woman USA tells the story of an African woman studying dance in the U.S. and working to support a daughter at home, along with two others back in Africa.  After receiving a work permit she is ecstatic, but must battle both sexism and racism when looking for a job.  Her troubles continue when a man posing as a producer betrays her.  The film uses jazz and traditional African music to underscore the themes of friendship and danger that shape an African immigrant’s experience of America.  —Trisha Lendo

Available for research at UCLA