This is a silent home movie made by Zora Neale Hurston with recorded music added later. It's an excerpt of 18 minutes from a 42 minute film from Ms. Hurston and I have no idea if this is the only version that exists today or if the entire 42 minutes is available. All I know is that the Criterion Channel recently posted this version.
Much of the footage is of a religious service in the American South circa 1940. It's not exactly a film most people would watch but is an invaluable historical look into our past...and the sort of thing that would surprise many to see today. BUT, to get the most of it, don't expect much--the music and video aren't matched up very well and it is a home movie.
