We’re hitting the road.
Philadelphia – Fan Expo (May 29)**
Washington, DC – LightReel Film Festival (June 5)**
Brooklyn, NY – BAMcinématek (June 17)*
Atlanta – Plaza Theatre (August 15)*
Come experience Riverbend on the big screen—where it belongs.
*Filmmakers in attendance
**Michael J. Dennis in person to introduce
Pull up if we’re in your city.
Thanks to everyone who showed up for our RIVERBEND screening in 5-city takeover of Weird Wednesday at Alamo Drafthouse.
Special thanks to actors Vanessa Tate, Willie Michael Minor, Tyrees Allen, and stunt coordinator Mike Shanks,
Special screening of AMERICAN NINJA staring Michael Dudikoff and Steve Steve James in Burbank CA Sat April 25 porches tickets here: /e/contra-celluloid-presents-american-ninja-with-cast-crew-in-person-tickets-1986350920073?aff=esfb&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=fb&utm-term=listing&fbclid=IwY2xjawRQ6vBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUY2x4WGRaWktjNDZJZmxvc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq2CTAqldB9guk60SO32Nzyy1sB83pW7ooR8r2yAEpLARxpZBAv8qMeR9npa_aem_iO-gYHNYcFP7iJ195Ql94w
We did it.
$17,957 raised. 226 backers. Goal surpassed.
This wasn’t just a campaign—it was a community showing up to help rescue and restore a piece of Black cinema history. I’m grateful to everyone who pledged, shared, and believed in Riverbend.
We’re not done yet. Now we finish strong and deliver something worthy of your support.
Thank you. 🙏🏾🎬
At the Texas premiere of the digitally restored RIVERBEND (I directed in 1989) at the Austin Film Society event with the original cast. It was a glories screening, the audience showed up and showed out, and it was incredible to see the film embraced so enthusiastically. Here with Margaret Shug Avery, Vannessa Tate-Goodrich, Julius Tennon, Alex Morris, and Michael Dennis of Reelblack Inc.
Join RIVERBEND Kickstarter Campaign
Riverbend (1989) — the long-lost Steve James film — has been restored in 6K… and now YOU can be part of the legacy.
When you back the Kickstarter, you’re not just pre-ordering a Blu-ray, You’re helping reclaim a piece of film history. You’re honoring Steve James. You’re making sure this film never disappears again.
🎬 Your name on the Blu-ray
💿 Limited edition slipcovers
🎙 Exclusive commentaries & featurettes
🎨 New artwork
📖 Illustrated collector booklet
🎁 Add-ons you won’t find anywhere else
Go to Kickstarter.com and search: Riverbend 6K or RiverbendRestored.com
