Haile Gerima Dissects His 10 Hour Documentary Feature ‘Black Lions – Roman Wolves’ & Teases His Next Project On America’s Black Maroons

Veteran Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima is set to debut his latest cinematic undertaking, a monumental documentary titled Black Lions – Roman Wolves, in the United States. Following its initial presentations at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, the extensive five-part work will receive its first full public screening at the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia. This marks the first opportunity for American audiences to engage with the film in its entirety across several days.

The documentary is the product of decades of research and production, weaving together archival footage and contemporary interviews to expose the brutal realities of Italy’s colonial occupation in Ethiopia. Gerima’s rigorous approach not only sheds light on this often-overlooked chapter of history but also reflects his commitment to presenting an unvarnished narrative rooted in personal and collective memory.

Black Lions – Roman Wolves represents Gerima’s first feature-length film since 2008’s Teza, which garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards at the Venice Film Festival. Since then, Gerima’s earlier works, including Ashes and Embers and Sankofa, have experienced a renaissance through restoration and distribution efforts, notably by Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing. Gerima’s contributions to cinema have also been recognized through honors such as the Academy Museum’s Vantage Award and the Berlinale Camera award for lifetime achievement.

Despite this growing recognition, Gerima continues to operate outside traditional studio systems, financing projects through personal investment and crowdfunding. His independent stance reflects a deliberate choice to maintain creative control and preserve the integrity of his perspectives, particularly when tackling subjects that challenge dominant historical narratives.

A significant obstacle during the making of Black Lions – Roman Wolves was accessing archival film materials held at Italy’s Luce archive, a repository with deep ties to the fascist regime. Gerima encountered bureaucratic resistance and political gatekeeping, which delayed his work for years. Intervention from political allies eventually facilitated access, allowing Gerima to incorporate vital historical footage. In response to these challenges, he and his team plan to launch a petition during an upcoming multi-city screening tour in Italy, advocating for free access to colonial archives for African filmmakers.

The genesis of Black Lions – Roman Wolves can be traced back to Gerima’s earlier exploration of Ethiopia’s resistance during the 1896 Battle of Adwa. While initially intending to combine this with the story of the 1935 fascist invasion, he ultimately chose to separate the narratives to preserve their distinct complexities. This methodological choice underscores the depth and nuance Gerima brings to his storytelling.

Musically, the documentary features a distinctive score contributed by a musician who volunteered his talents late in the production process. Gerima has expressed intentions for the composer to release the music independently, underscoring his respect for artistic ownership.

Looking forward, Gerima is revisiting a concurrent project focused on America’s Black Seminoles—a group of African-descended Maroons who resisted slavery through armed struggle and alliances with Native Americans. This ongoing documentary aims to illuminate this lesser-known history of resistance across the southern United States and into Mexico, though details on its timeline remain sparse.

Gerima’s career, often associated with the L.A. Rebellion movement, reflects a broader ethos of radicalism and intellectual independence rather than a fixed group identity. He critiques popular interpretations of the movement, emphasizing its diverse makeup and the influence of revolutionary thinkers and imprisoned intellectuals on his work. His filmmaking continues to be driven by a desire to challenge mainstream narratives and center marginalized histories.

In terms of distribution, Gerima remains committed to an independent path. While some of his films have been acquired by major platforms through close collaborators, he is cautious about relinquishing control of his work. He is currently exploring theatrical and digital avenues that align with his principles, ensuring that his films reach audiences without compromising their integrity.

Haile Gerima’s Black Lions – Roman Wolves stands as a testament to perseverance in filmmaking and a crucial intervention in historical memory. By confronting Italy’s colonial past through a deeply personal lens, Gerima not only educates but also connects contemporary struggles to the enduring legacies of empire. His forthcoming projects promise to continue this tradition, enriching the cultural landscape with stories of resistance and resilience.