Celebrate Black History with St. Louis 'Soul Cinema' Film Series

In February, AARP in St. Louis will recognize African Americans who have made significant contributions to the motion picture industry.  

In its seventh year, the Soul Cinema film series features free movies available online during Black History Month. AARP is partnering with the nonprofit Cinema St. Louis, which also presents the annual St. Louis International Film Festival. 

Soul Cinema is open to AARP members and to the public, who can stream movies Fridays through Sundays during the month. 

“To honor the rich and enduring African American heritage of the St. Louis region, an AARP volunteer created the Soul Cinema series,” says Sheila Holm, community outreach director for AARP in St. Louis. “It’s our hope the community will join us in celebrating Black History Month by viewing one or more of the films offered.” 

This year’s lineup includes Voodoo Macbeth, a reconstruction of the 1936 Harlem production of the Shakespeare play, with an all-Black cast that was directed by a 20-year-old Orson Welles.

AARP will host follow-up discussions online in March. Learn more about the Soul Cinema series, find this year’s movie lineup and register at aarp.org/stlouis.

—Tim Poor