African Woman, . (1980) Ijeoma Iloputaife

African Woman USA tells the story of an African woman studying dance in the U.S. and working to support a daughter at home, along with two others back in Africa.  After receiving a work permit she is ecstatic, but must battle both sexism and racism when looking for a job.  Her troubles continue when a man posing as a producer betrays her.  The film uses jazz and traditional African music to underscore the themes of friendship and danger that shape an African immigrant’s experience of America.  —Trisha Lendo