Program Series: Regeneration: An Introduction

A Raisin in the Sun with The Learning Tree

Introduction by Kokayi Ampah

Fri, Sep 23, 2022 | 7:30pm PT

Ted Mann Theater
A Raisin in the Sun with The Learning Tree

A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberry’s play about a family’s struggles to improve their status after the death of their patriarch was the first work by a Black female playwright to be produced on Broadway. Hansberry adapted her own work for this faithful film version which reunited nearly the entire stage cast, including such top acting talent as Claudia McNeil and Sidney Poitier as the clashing mother and son, Ruby Dee as Poitier’s wife, as well as Ivan Dixon, Louis Gossett Jr., and Diana Sands.

The Learning Tree

Photojournalist Gordon Parks was the first Black person to helm a Hollywood studio production with this film, also his feature directorial debut. In his mid-50s at the time of its production, Parks renders his... childhood in rural Kansas—don’t miss the nods to The Wizard of Oz (1939)—while adapting his semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. With gorgeous Panavision lensing by veteran noir cinematographer Burnett Guffey, Parks eloquently renders the story of young a boy who learns the hard lessons of first love (and sex), life, death, and racism.

A Raisin in the Sun
DIRECTOR: Daniel Petrie. WRITTEN BY: Lorraine Hansberry. CAST: Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands. 1961. 128 min. USA. B&W. English. DCP.

The Learning Tree
DIRECTOR: Gordon Parks. WRITTEN BY: Gordon Parks. CAST: Kyle Johnson, Alex Clarke, Estelle Evans, Dana Elcar. 1969. 107 min. USA. Color. Scope. English. DCP.

Academy Museum film programming generously funded by the Richard Roth Foundation.

Make It Dinner and a Movie

Fanny's Restaurant & CaféFanny's Restaurant & Café

All guests who present a ticket for a film screening, Tuesday through Saturday (and the first Sunday of every month), receive 10% off all food and non-alcoholic beverages at Fanny's. Discount only applicable on the same day as the screening and cannot be redeemed for another screening or date. Dinner reservations can be made on OpenTable or Resy.

Know Before You Go

  • Plan your Visit

    Location

    The Academy Museum and its theaters are located at 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

    Parking

    Self-parking, accessible parking, and electric vehicle charging options are available. See below for our parking structure information and view the parking page for further details.

    Ride-Share Drop Off

    Roddenberry Lane, entrance on Fairfax Ave.

    LACMA's Pritzker Parking Garage

    6000 W 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90036, entrance on 6th St.
    5am–10pm
    $20 ($12 after 8pm entry) 
    Accessible spots on P1, adjacent to elevators
    EV charging stations on P1 and P2

    Petersen Automotive Museum Garage

    744 Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, entrance on Fairfax Ave. or 8th St.
    6am–11pm
    $24 (first 15 min. free)
    Accessible spots on P1 only; no garage elevator
    EV charging stations on P1

  • Accessibility

    Audio Description

    For visitors who are blind or partially-sighted, audio description devices are available for some digital film screenings on a first-come, first-served basis. 

    Real-time audio descriptions are available for some performances upon request with at least three weeks’ notice, subject to the availability of describers. Email academymuseum@oscars.org to submit your request.

    Closed Captioning

    For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, in-seat closed captioning or descriptive audio-devices are available for some digital film screenings on a first-come, first-served basis. Please confirm availability at academymuseum@oscars.org before planning your visit. 

    Real-time captioning is available for programs upon request with at least three weeks’ notice, subject to the availability of captioners. Email academymuseum@oscars.org to submit your request.

    Please see our Accessibility page for complete information, including details on our Visual Description Tours, Calm Mornings, and Covid-19 policies.