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ENTERTAINMENT/MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANTS
ARTIST RELATIONS

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We are extremely proud to offer
LIZ WHITE
HER FIRST FILM

presenting

Yaphet Kotto
HIS FIRST FILM
Othello

Premiere - Howard University - May, 1980

SHEARER COTTAGE
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

My Othello by Shakespeare is a truly unique film; and I am proud that my edited version is in the archives of the Shakespeare Memorial Library, Birmingham, England.

The film is owned by the members of my group who participated in the making of it, including Yaphet Kotto, who worked and studied with me.

Then too, it is an all Black venture... actors, crew, cinematographer, composer, costumes and money... nearly two hundred thousand dollars for rentals of cameras, equipment, film, editing, sound studios, negative and final print. If it were not a group effort, the cost would be two million dollars.

But the film must be recognized by us and supported by us, so that we, as Black moviegoers and filmmakers can reap the harvest, as it were. Frankly, by reap the harvest, I mean exactly that and more. We will be adventurous enough to make, finance and distribute films that we believe in...about ourselves, our forebears...about all the mores of Black people...all the beauty of Black people.

In doing so; all great literature from its many diverse sources should be used by Blacks...much as the world uses our great spirituals and our own inimitable jazz.

My slave grandfather Shearer, who was whipped and chained by his master because he attempted to run away to join the oncoming northern army to be free, left his mark on me, I am sure. He was one of the first graduate students from Hampton University soon after the Civil War, remained ten years teaching others coming after him, then resettled in Massachusetts.

I am the first Black filmmaker to mount a film of this genre.

Like Grandpa Shearer, I am looking for true freedom...true artistic freedom.