Blacks in movies from 1929, ’54 focus of program

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will screen the musicals “Hallelujah” and “Carmen Jones” tonight at 7:30. Each film is an example of the way African Americans were portrayed in studio films of their respective eras.

“Hallelujah” (1929), directed and produced by King Vidor, will be presented in a new sepia-toned print, made to replicate the film’s original release print, courtesy of Warner Bros. and the collection of Martin Scorsese. “Carmen Jones” (1954), starring Dorothy Dandridge in her Oscar-nominated performance, was produced and directed by Otto Preminger.

The films will be introduced by the newly appointed executive director of the California African American Museum, Charmaine Jefferson. Tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for academy members. The academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

The screenings are in conjunction with “Close Up in Black: African American Film Posters,” an extensive collection of film posters currently on display through Oct. 11 at the California African American Museum, 600 State Drive in Exposition Park. Admission to the exhibit is free, parking is $6. For more information, call (213) 744-7432 or visit www.caam.ca.gov.