You are here:

Black Rodeo

Name: Black Rodeo
Director: Jeff Kanew
Released: 1972
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

1972

Director

Jeff Kanew

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Black Rodeo is a significant work that reclaims the Western genre by shifting its focus to the urban reality of Harlem. By doing so, it challenges established cinematic expectations and presents a nuanced view of Black community excellence. The film's strength lies in its ability to shift the narrative from the mythic frontier to a vibrant, community-driven reality. However, it remains limited in its exploration of gender hierarchies and LGBTQ+ identities, reflecting the social norms of the early 1970s.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Black Rodeo have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The documentary highlights the athletic and communal aspects of the Harlem rodeo circuit. It does not include explicit LGBTQ+ character stories or diverse gender identities, sticking to traditional 1970s social norms.

How does Black Rodeo portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on masculine athletic achievements and physical strength. Women are present in the community, but they do not significantly challenge traditional gender roles during the competition.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Black Rodeo?

Excellent

The film stands out by focusing on a rodeo within Harlem's Black community. It shifts the genre away from Anglo-Saxon frontier myths, emphasizing Black athletic mastery and community pride.

How does Black Rodeo represent religion and culture?

Excellent

This work celebrates Black cultural independence by presenting an alternative to mainstream cowboy imagery. It emphasizes local traditions and communal identity over dominant Western narratives.

Does Black Rodeo include disability representation?

Minimal

There is not enough information to assess the representation of visible or invisible disabilities in this documentary.

Present on Screen

Successfully reclaims the Western genre by placing it within Harlem's Black community.
Highlights Black ability to act through athletic mastery and cultural pride.
Subverts traditional Anglo-Saxon frontier mythology with a rich, community-driven narrative.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs or diverse gender identities.
Overemphasizes masculine athletic achievement, offering limited disruption of traditional gender roles.
Does not provide visible or documented representation of individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Documentary about a rodeo that takes place, for the most part, in Harlem.

How are these scores produced? →