With archive film clips and interviews, this brief look at a frequently overlooked historical period of filmmaking acts as an introduction rather than a complete record. Features interviews with some of the genre’s biggest stars, like Fred Williamson, Pam Grier, and Richard Roundtree.

Director Melvin Van Peebles discusses the historical importance of his landmark film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. For a contemporary perspective, the excitable Quentin Tarantino offers his spirited commentary and author-critic bell hooks provides some scholarly social analysis.

The music of Blaxploitation films is rightfully discussed, focusing on Curtis Mayfield’s Super Fly and Isaac Hayes’ Shaft. Also features interviews with writer-director Larry Cohen and film historian Armond White. BaadAsssss Cinema was originally shown on the Independent Film Channel in August 2002 as part of a week-long Blaxploitation film festival.