

Illusions
Synopsis
A woman in a Hollywood dubbing studio struggles with race and preconceptions. The short film depicts the life of an African American woman passing as a white woman working in the film industry during the 1940s. It calls attention to the lack of African Americans in the film industry during that era.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
August 30, 1982
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Julie Dash
- Screenplay & Story
- Julie Dash
- Original Score
- Eugene Bohlmann
- Original Title
- Illusions
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 34m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Julie Dash
Julie Dash
Eugene Bohlmann
Ahmed El Maânouni
Charles Burnett, Julie Dash
Julie Dash, Brenda Y. Shockley
Department Leadership Roster
Jennifer Smith-Ashley
Costume Design
Julie Dash
Producer
Eugene Bohlmann
Original Music Composer
Julie Dash
Director
Julie Dash
Writer
Charles Burnett
Editor
Julie Dash
Editor
Ahmed El Maânouni
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Illusions.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Illusions.
Promote Black Filmmakers®™ Playlist
National Film Registry
Films preserved in the Library of Congress National Film Registry.
Ni Dieu, ni maître
National Film Register 2010-2023
Movies on the National Film Register, added in the years of 2010-2023
Harvard University's Suggested Narrative Film Viewing List
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Frequently Asked Questions About Illusions
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Illusions about?
A woman in a Hollywood dubbing studio struggles with race and preconceptions. The short film depicts the life of an African American woman passing as a white woman working in the film industry during the 1940s. It calls attention to the lack of African Americans in the film industry during that era.
Who directed Illusions?
Illusions was directed by Julie Dash.
Who stars in Illusions?
The principal cast of Illusions includes Lonette McKee, Rosanne Katon, Ned Bellamy, Jack Rader, Lisa Henke.
When was Illusions released and how long is it?
Illusions was released in 1982 with a total runtime of 34m.
Who composed the musical score for Illusions?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Illusions was composed by Eugene Bohlmann.




















