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Baignade de nègres

Name: Baignade de nègres
Director: Louis Lumière, Auguste Lumière
Released: 1896
Duration: 1 min

Representation Score

1.0/10

Minimal

1896

Director

Louis Lumière, Auguste Lumière

Runtime

1 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1896 Lumière film serves as a historical artifact of early ethnographic observation. While it provides a rare visual record of Black subjects engaged in recreational activity, it lacks the narrative depth needed for complex representation. The film's impact is limited by its status as a non-narrative 'actualité.' It functions as a brief observational clip rather than a deliberate piece of storytelling, which prevents the exploration of identity or social subversion. Ultimately, the work reflects the colonial-era perspectives of its time. The presence of a Black cast is a notable departure from many contemporary European films, yet the lack of character's ability to drive the story keeps the diversity score low.

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Category Breakdown

Does Baignade de nègres have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film is a brief, non-narrative clip and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore gendered intimacy.

How does Baignade de nègres portray gender?

Minimal

As a single-shot documentary fragment, the film lacks character development or interactions between genders. The subjects are shown in a recreational setting without engaging in gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Baignade de nègres?

Fair

The film features a predominantly Black cast, offering a rare glimpse of Black subjects in leisure. However, the score is reduced by the colonial-era ethnographic lens and the historical title.

How does Baignade de nègres represent religion and culture?

Limited

The work lacks intentional ideological framing or critique of Western institutions. The ethnographic framing prevents it from challenging the prevailing colonial power dynamics of the late 19th century.

Does Baignade de nègres include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities being depicted with specific ability to act.

Present on Screen

Features a predominantly Black cast, providing a rare historical glimpse of Black subjects in a moment of leisure.

Limited or Absent

Lacks narrative complexity and character's ability to drive the story to challenge social hierarchies.
Reflects a colonial-era ethnographic lens rather than intentional storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity.

Official Synopsis

A group of black youths jumping from a dock into the water.

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