The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution

The first feature-length documentary to explore the history and lasting cultural impact of the Black Panther Party.

The rise and fall of the Black Panther Party during the 1960s and beyond is a uniquely American story of a growing pride in black culture, and more militant demands for justice and racial equality, with a cast of larger-than-life personalities including: Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge and Kathleen Cleaver, and Fred Hampton. Director Stanley Nelson masterfully assembles rare archival footage that contextualizes the history of the Panthers—begun in response to racism and police brutality. Surviving members of the organization are interviewed alongside retired police officers, FBI informants, journalists, and others—all of whom reflect back in great detail on the events that defined the Panthers’ turbulent late ‘60s era.

DVD

Film Forum

9/2