Memory Room 451
Synopsis
The subject matter of Memory Room 451 is the cultural and historical significance of 20th-century hairstyles – the Afro, the conk, dreadlocks – in Black communities on both sides of the Atlantic. Akomfrah has disguised this exploration as a science fiction story – in the manner of the groundbreaking writers profiled in The Last Angel of History – while providing a bravura display of the aesthetics of video art in the 1990s. The tale of visitors from the future who gather dreams from unwitting subjects in order to construct a history of the Black diaspora both defamiliarizes Akomfrah’s ongoing project and points to the danger that extracting history from memory can be a kind of expropriation.
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Akomfrah
- Original Title
- Memory Room 451
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 25m
- Production Studios
- Black Audio Film Collective
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Akomfrah
Department Leadership Roster
John Akomfrah
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Memory Room 451.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Memory Room 451
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Memory Room 451 about?
The subject matter of Memory Room 451 is the cultural and historical significance of 20th-century hairstyles – the Afro, the conk, dreadlocks – in Black communities on both sides of the Atlantic. Akomfrah has disguised this exploration as a science fiction story – in the manner of the groundbreaking writers profiled in The Last Angel of History – while providing a bravura display of the aesthetics of video art in the 1990s. The tale of visitors from the future who gather dreams from unwitting subjects in order to construct a history of the Black diaspora both defamiliarizes Akomfrah’s ongoing project and points to the danger that extracting history from memory can be a kind of expropriation.
Who directed Memory Room 451?
Memory Room 451 was directed by John Akomfrah.
Who stars in Memory Room 451?
The principal cast of Memory Room 451 includes Not specified.
When was Memory Room 451 released and how long is it?
Memory Room 451 was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 25m.