Flirting with the conventions of blaxploitation and horror, Bill Gunn’s revolutionary independent film GANJA & HESS is a highly stylized and utterly original treatise on sex, religion, and African American identity. Duane Jones (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD – screening at the Rio on October 8) stars as anthropologist Hess Green, who is stabbed with an ancient ceremonial dagger by his unstable assistant (director Bill Gunn), bestowing upon him the blessing of immortality… and the curse of an unquenchable thirst for blood. When the assistant’s beautiful and outspoken wife Ganja (Marlene Clark) comes searching for her missing husband, she and Hess form an unexpected partnership. Together, they explore just how much power blood holds.

Later re-cut and released in an inferior version, this edition represents the original release, restored by The Museum of Modern Art with support from The Film Foundation, and mastered in HD from a 35mm negative.

“In ‘Ganja & Hess’ we get a devastating art film that raises more intriguing philosophical questions than hairs on the back of one’s neck.” (Pop Matters)

Sunday, October 18
Doors 6:35 pm | Movie 6:55 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

GANJA & HESS (Bill Gunn, 1973 / 18A / 110 mins) After being stabbed with an ancient, germ-infested knife, a doctor’s assistant finds himself with an insatiable desire for blood.