Independent Lens Season 6 Episode 27 Brother to Brother

Brother to Brother is the 27th episode of the 6th season of Independent Lens. This episode is a powerful drama that tells the story of a young, gifted black artist named Perry. Perry is struggling to find his place in New York City's vibrant but daunting art scene in the 1980s.

Perry is a gay man, and his art reflects his struggles with his identity and his place in the world. He finds solace and camaraderie among the older generation of black gay men, who have paved the way for him but now face a new set of challenges in the era of AIDS and homophobia.

As Perry navigates the art world and his own personal life, he discovers a connection to an older artist named Bruce Nugent. Bruce was a member of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and is one of the few surviving members of the group. Through their friendship, Perry begins to see the similarities between his struggles and those of the black gay artists who came before him.

Brother to Brother explores themes of the black gay experience, art, and history. The episode uses a blend of drama, archival footage, and interviews to tell its story. The drama is grounded in real historical events, such as the arrest and trial of the artist Robert Mapplethorpe and the controversy surrounding the NEA's funding of art that some deemed offensive.

The episode is a moving tribute to the Harlem Renaissance and the artists who paved the way for future generations. It also shines a light on the ongoing struggles of the black gay community, particularly in the 1980s when the AIDS crisis was devastating the community.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of black gay experience, from the challenges of coming out to the joys of finding a supportive community. The drama is compelling and well-acted, with standout performances by the two leads, Anthony Mackie as Perry and Roger Robinson as Bruce Nugent.

Brother to Brother is a thought-provoking episode that delves deep into the intersection of race, sexuality, and art. It paints a vivid portrait of the black gay experience in America and shows how far we've come while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.

Overall, Brother to Brother is a must-watch episode of Independent Lens that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a powerful and poignant tribute to the artists who have come before and a call to action for the challenges that lie ahead.