“The Emperor Jones” — the first mainstream American film to star an African American — will be the subject of a free discussion hosted by RiverArts, together with the Dobbs Ferry and Hastings public libraries, on Wednesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m.

The film, controversial then and now, was released by United Artists, the independent
distribution company founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks.
“The Emperor Jones” is one of five films showcased by the Finger Lakes Film Trail as part of its “Race Films/Race Matters” program, which focuses on films from 1910 to the 1940s made largely by Black filmmakers for Black audiences. Registrants for the RiverArts event are encouraged to watch “The Emperor Jones” at www.fingerlakesfilmtrail.org.

“It’s a difficult time, but it’s also an exciting time because it’s given us a chance to explore offering programs in new ways,” she said on March 1. “It’s encouraged us to become creative, offering new programs and in different formats.”
Ashby succeeds Doug Coe of Hastings, who was executive director of RiverArts since 2013. Last summer, the executive director role was divided into two positions: artistic director and managing director. Josh Suniewick of Hastings came on board as managing director, while Coe remained as artistic director until he retired last month.

Doug Coe, the driving force behind RiverArts since he was hired as executive director in 2013, has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 1, 2021. Coe’s position as executive director of the nonprofit was split into two part-time jobs this summer. Coe became artistic director while Josh Suniewick of Hastings was hired as managing director.