African Odysseys presents

’Round Midnight

+ discussion with writers Gary Younge and Caryl Phillips

A dramatic re-creation of the Black American migrant community in post-war Paris jazz clubs, starring legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon.

  • Director

    Bertrand Tavernier

  • With

    Dexter Gordon, François Cluzet, Sandra Reaves-Phillips

  • France 1986. 133min. Total running time 210min, including a short break before the discussion

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    15

1950s Paris was refuge to a group of Black American expatriates avoiding the racism prevalent across the US. Here, they enjoyed respect for their art and were accepted for who they were. Set in the smoky basements of the French capital, this evocative drama charts the life of Dale Turner (a moving, melancholy turn from legendary saxophonist Gordon), a singular talent unable to free himself from past experiences. Following the screening, writers Gary Younge and Caryl Phillips will discuss the film in light of James Baldwin’s connection to the US and the time he spent in France.

See our James Baldwin season.