Bush Mama
Synopsis
Dorothy is a poor black woman. Her husband is put in jail for no observable reason, and she is pregnant with a second child. The government threatens to take away her welfare if she does not get an abortion.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Haile Gerima on Bush MamaOfficial
Type: Featurette • Published 2026-07-29
Top Cast
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Barbara O. Jones
Dorothy
Johnny Weathers
T.C.
Cora Lee Day
Molly
Simmi Ella Nelson
Simmi
Bettie J. Wilson
Social Worker
Bob Ogburn Jr.
Dahomey Man
Susan Williams
Luann
Ben Collins
Ben
Renna Kraft
Angi
Darian Gibbs
Young Street Boy
Minnie Stewart
1st Welfare Recipient
Malbertha Pickett
2nd Welfare Recipient
Bertha Yates
Secretary
Chris Clay
Policeman
Charles Brooks
Preacher
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 1, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Haile Gerima
- Screenplay & Story
- Haile Gerima
- Original Score
- Onaje Kareem Kenyatta
- Original Title
- Bush Mama
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Haile Gerima
Haile Gerima
Onaje Kareem Kenyatta
Roderick Young, Charles Burnett
Haile Gerima
Haile Gerima
Department Leadership Roster
Haile Gerima
Director
Haile Gerima
Producer
Haile Gerima
Writer
Haile Gerima
Editor
Roderick Young
Director of Photography
Charles Burnett
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Bush Mama.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Bush Mama.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bush Mama
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Bush Mama about?
Dorothy is a poor black woman. Her husband is put in jail for no observable reason, and she is pregnant with a second child. The government threatens to take away her welfare if she does not get an abortion.
Who directed Bush Mama?
Bush Mama was directed by Haile Gerima.
Who stars in Bush Mama?
The principal cast of Bush Mama includes Barbara O. Jones, Johnny Weathers, Cora Lee Day, Simmi Ella Nelson, Bettie J. Wilson.
When was Bush Mama released and how long is it?
Bush Mama was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for Bush Mama?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Bush Mama was composed by Onaje Kareem Kenyatta.