Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Aero Theatre, Santa Monica
### **ABOUT THE FILM:** Unseen for 35 years, RIVERBEND (1989) screens from an original 35mm print for a one-night-only revival! Produced and co-written by Sam and Valerie Vance and directed by Sam Firstenberg (AMERICAN NINJA), this explosive action-drama stars Steve James and Oscar nominee Margaret Avery in a story of Black Vietnam soldiers who turn military training into a fight for justice. A rare cinematic rediscovery presented by Reelblack Renaissance. FORMAT: 35mm DISTRIBUTOR: Reelblack Renaissance COUNTRY: USA ### **ABOUT THE EVENT:** “A long-lost action classic returns to the big screen, projected in its original 35mm format for the first time in 35 years.” Long thought lost and unseen on the big screen for 35 years, RIVERBEND (1989) roars back for a one-night-only revival at the Aero Theatre. Produced and co-written by visionary filmmakers Sam and Valerie Vance and directed by action maestro Sam Firstenberg (AMERICAN NINJA), this explosive, racially charged thriller stars Steve James (THE DELTA FORCE, AVENGING FORCE) in a rare leading role, alongside Oscar nominee Margaret Avery (THE COLOR PURPLE). Set in 1966 and filmed on location in Texas, RIVERBEND follows three Black Vietnam soldiers (James, Julius Tennon, and Alex Morris) who escape a corrupt court-martial and land in a small Southern town under the iron grip of a ruthless sheriff (Tony Frank). What begins as a desperate bid for survival transforms into a disciplined resistance, as the soldiers — guided by Avery’s quietly powerful community leader — turn military training into a rallying cry for justice. Buried for decades after its limited home video release, RIVERBEND became a cult legend among action-film devotees and Black cinema historians. This 35th Anniversary screening, presented by Reelblack Renaissance, marks the first time the film has been projected in 35mm since its original release — an essential, long-overdue rediscovery of a film that was *too provocative for its time*. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to honor Steve James’s powerhouse performance and the trailblazing vision of Sam and Valerie Vance, as RIVERBEND takes its rightful place on the big screen, projected on celluloid with cast and crew in attendance.