Nay Charles is an african-american war veteran discouraged after fighting in a western, white war, revealing major difficulties in a successful re-insertion within a racially segregated society, hostile from the get-go. The emotional disparity within his closest relationships, along with the professional disadjustment in an urban environment, render Charles marginally impotent - in a system permeated with institutional racism, he is unable to sustain the revolutionary motivation that a political revolt against such conditions would require.


Hailes Gerima retraces links with a traumatic past through the slavery reports shared by Nay’s grandmother throughout the film, whose memories remain a firm transgenerational anchor. While the main veteran character awaits a tragic ending, there is a prevalent advocacy for learning from past generations and taking the leash of one’s own life.

  • Duration: 129
  • Production year: 1982
  • Country: United States of America
  • Subtitles: EN, Subtitles: PT

Berlin Film Festival 1983 - FIPRESCI Award (Forum of New Cinema)
Munich Festival 2019 - Official Selection

Haile Gerima

Credits