Product Details

• Actors: Maya Angelou, Chuck D
• Directors: M.K. Asante Jr.
• Producers: M.K. Asante Jr., Ben Haaz
• Format: NTSC, Color, Widescreen
• Region: All Regions
• Studio: Asante Filmworx
• Run Time: 71 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001J15PMM
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #167,609 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The Black Candle is a landmark, vibrant documentary that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to celebrate the African-American experience. Narrated by renowned poet Maya Angelou and directed by award-winning author and filmmaker M.K. Asante, Jr., The Black Candle is an extraordinary, inspirational story about the struggle and triumph of African-American family, community, and culture. Filmed across the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, The Black Candle is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa are so important to African-Americans today. The first feature film on Kwanzaa, The Black Candle traces the holiday's growth out of the Black Power Movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, pan-African holiday embraced by over 40 million celebrants. With vivid cinematography and an all star cast that features the best and brightest from the hip-hop and the civil rights generations, The Black Candle is more than a film about a holiday: it's a celebration of a people!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration/Education, December 21, 2008

By 

Queen Ifama "Truth Terrorist" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration (DVD)

The most powerful word I can come up with is Awesome!! This was a beautiful documentary that not only speaks to Kwanzaa but the Black Power Movement as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan on showing at our local Kwanzaa events. It is very educational and should be included in the study of the History of kidnapped/sold/bought/enslaved African people in relation to their journey here in North America. The quality is excellent. I applaud M.K.Asante Jr. for this work. Keep it Up!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Historical insights, January 25, 2010

By 

J. W. Austin "World is one" (Rockford, Ill USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration (DVD)

"The Black Candle" dvd provided some background information on the seven day celebration. There were still some questions regarding the items used in the celebration. Additionally, more recognizable contributors should have been included. Still, it was a good historical piece.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Black Candle Celebrates Kwanzaa, November 10, 2008

By 

Coretta Jackson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration (DVD)

While there is no shortage of new movies highlighting the commercial side of Christmas each winter, finding a movie that centered squarely on Kwanzaa and its importance in the Black Community was once a fruitless undertaking. No longer is this the case. The Black Candle, a marvelous movie about Kwanzaa, narrated by Dr. Maya Angelou, directed by M.K. Asante, Jr., and produced by Ben Haaz tastefully celebrates Kwanzaa! This powerful film is supported by the moving insights of engaging voices like poet icon Amiri Baracka and hip hop's own Chuck D; seasoned by the musical scores of jazz musicians like Derrick Hodge and carried upwards by the vocal wonders of jazz vocalist Nnena Freelon.

The Black Candle is an inviting, dynamic, collection of testimonials which serve to gently remind us about our enduring truths and empowers us to continue moving beyond pressing issues. Be sure to go to The Black Candle.com to sign up to receive updates about local events near you! Buy this NOW... and pick up a few extra's to give as gifts! The void has been filled...