Years before the phrase “Black is Beautiful” entered our lexicon, Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène created Black Girl. Sembène, who is known as the father of African cinema, was an outspoken political artist who often confronted patriarchy.

Sembène worked with French cinematographer Christian Lacoste and a small cast and crew of mostly novice or amateur artists to create Black Girl. Diouana, the lead character played by Mbissine Thérèse Diop, inhabits a gritty world marked by the double oppression of poverty in her native Senegal and marginalization in France.

Following a week-long run at BAM cinema in Brooklyn, Black Girl will be re-released DVD by Criterion. Watch a trailer for the film below.