Shaft
Shaft
Directed by Gordon Parks
(USA, 1971, 35mm)
Presented to complement the exhibition Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power
Introduced by ethnomusicologist Flash Gordon Parks, who participates in a post-film discussion about the Shaft soundtrack with Peter Lucas, guest programmer of the MFAH “Jazz on Film” series
The second feature film from director/photographer Gordon Parks, Shaft helped to launch the blaxploitation genre. Private eye John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) finds himself in the midst of a turf war between rival gangs when he is hired to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a Harlem mob boss (Moses Gunn).
“A gritty 1970s time capsule that has inspired sequels and reboots galore, studded with indelible elements from Roundtree’s sleek leather fashions to the iconic funk and soul score by Isaac Hayes.” —Criterion Collection
Visiting Guidelines Masks are recommended in Museum auditoriums. Advance tickets are also recommended. In the interest of your personal safety and community health, please observe all precautions set forth by the MFAH—learn more here. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening starts. No late entry.
Accessibility The MFAH strives to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for all guests by offering a range of accommodations—learn more here.
The MFAH film department is supported by Tenaris; the Vaughn Foundation; The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Consulate General of Italy in Houston; Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles; Consulate General of Brazil in Houston; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L’Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
“Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power” is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in collaboration with the Gordon Parks Foundation.
Generous support for the exhibition and opening celebration provided by:
Anne Levy Charitable Trust/Jean Karotkin
Dr. Ruth Simmons
Drs. Jakeen and Garfield Johnson
Simin and Gaurdie Banister
Drs. Annette and Anthony Brissett/Nicholas Stuart and Zsavon Butler
DIR Inc./Drs. Russell H. and Rosalind C. Jackson
Wendy and Mavis Kelsey/Fan and Peter Morris
Karen and Ramon Manning
Merinda Watkins-Martin and Reginald Martin
Shaft
Directed by Gordon Parks
(USA, 1971, 100 minutes)
Brown Auditorium Theater