The Proud Valley
Filmed in the heart of Wales, Pen Tennyson’s The Proud Valley was written for American singer, actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, who after years of refusing film roles from major studios, agreed to appear in this independent production.
Peoples Eastbourne and Crossing The Screen International Film Festival are delighted to be hosting this screening at Towner, as part of the Robeson Black History Month Season. There will be a short introduction to the film, and a 20 minute reflection and sharing session afterwards.
Filmed in the heart of Wales, Pen Tennyson’s The Proud Valley was written for American singer, actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, who after years of refusing film roles from major studios, agreed to appear in this independent production.
Robeson plays David, a drifter from the American South who arrives in pre-WWII Wales looking for work and wins the locals’ respect through his singing, bonding with his fellow miners and fighting to improve their dangerous working conditions.
An almost unique depiction of on-screen Blackness from this era, with a multi-faceted hero of unique complexity, it remained the deeply principled Robeson’s favourite film role, enabling him to explore and express his socialist beliefs as well as demonstrate the supremely moving power of his glorious voice.