Billy Woodberry
Encyclopedia
Billy Woodberry is one of the leading directors of the L.A. Rebellion
(also known as the Los Angeles School of Black Filmmakers). He is best known for directing the 1984 feature film, Bless Their Little Hearts (1984), which was honored at the Berlin International Film Festival
.
. In the 1970s, he enrolled at the UCLA Film School, where he wrote and directed the short film, "The Pocketbook," based on the Langston Hughes
short story, "Thank You, Ma'am."
He produced, edited and directed his thesis film, Bless Their Little Hearts. The feature film was written and photographed by fellow UCLA alum, Charles Burnett
. In 1982, Woodberry received his MFA degree from UCLA.
.
Vincent Canby
of the New York Times said that the film "works beautifully."
"Its poetry lies in the exaltation of ordinary detail" is how Jim Ridley of the Village Voice
described Bless Their Little Hearts in his 2008 review of the film.
L.A. Rebellion
L.A. Rebellion film movement, sometimes referred to as the "Los Angeles School of Black Filmmakers", refers to the time from roughly the late-1960s to the late-1980s when a new generation of young African and African American filmmakers emerged from UCLA Film School to produce works that provided...
(also known as the Los Angeles School of Black Filmmakers). He is best known for directing the 1984 feature film, Bless Their Little Hearts (1984), which was honored at the Berlin International Film Festival
Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival , also called the Berlinale, is one of the world's leading film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in Berlin, Germany. Founded in West Berlin in 1951, the festival has been celebrated annually in February since 1978...
.
Background
Woodberry was born in Dallas, TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. In the 1970s, he enrolled at the UCLA Film School, where he wrote and directed the short film, "The Pocketbook," based on the Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form jazz poetry. Hughes is best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance...
short story, "Thank You, Ma'am."
He produced, edited and directed his thesis film, Bless Their Little Hearts. The feature film was written and photographed by fellow UCLA alum, Charles Burnett
Charles Burnett
Charles Burnett may refer to:*Charles Burnett , American film director*Charles Burnett , Scottish Officer of Arms*Charles Burnett , Royal Air Force officer and Australian Chief of the Air Staff...
. In 1982, Woodberry received his MFA degree from UCLA.
Critical reception
Bless Their Little Hearts received the Interfilm ecumenical jury award at the Berlin Film FestivalBerlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival , also called the Berlinale, is one of the world's leading film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in Berlin, Germany. Founded in West Berlin in 1951, the festival has been celebrated annually in February since 1978...
.
Vincent Canby
Vincent Canby
Vincent Canby was an American film critic who became the chief film critic for The New York Times in 1969 and reviewed more than 1000 films during his tenure there.-Life and career:...
of the New York Times said that the film "works beautifully."
"Its poetry lies in the exaltation of ordinary detail" is how Jim Ridley of the Village Voice
The Village Voice
The Village Voice is a free weekly newspaper and news and features website in New York City that features investigative articles, analysis of current affairs and culture, arts and music coverage, and events listings for New York City...
described Bless Their Little Hearts in his 2008 review of the film.