Maya Annik Bedward’s documentary Black Zombie investigates the long cultural and cinematic history of the zombie, following the figure from Haitian spiritual practices and colonial contexts to its prominent place in horror cinema. The film aims to move beyond the surface-level idea of a flesh-eating monster and instead explores the zombie as a symbol connected to slavery, stolen agency, survival and resistance.
Approach and contributors
The documentary combines archival footage, vérité sequences and interviews with cultural historians, artists and genre contributors. It re-examines landmark titles such as White Zombie, Night of the Living Dead and The Serpent and the Rainbow within a broader cultural and historical frame.
- Black Zombie is written and directed by Maya Annik Bedward.
- Producers named on the project include Hannah Donegan and Kate Fraser.
- Executive producers include Jennifer Holness, Michael Paszt, Andrew Thomas Hunt, James Fler and Slash.
- Interview participants listed include Yves-Grégory François, Mambo Labelle Déesse, Slash, Tom Savini and Zandashé Brown.
The film’s structure and interview roster indicate an intent to situate the zombie as a culturally loaded icon rather than only a cinematic monster, foregrounding perspectives tied to history, religion and creative practice.
Release
Kino Lorber is reported to be releasing Black Zombie in limited theaters on September 11, with plans for subsequent digital and physical distribution. The staggered release strategy points to both theatrical exposure and later availability for home audiences and collectors when the physical window arrives.
Source: Dread Central