Story perspectives

Filmmaker Reclaims Zombie Roots in New Documentary

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maya Annik Bedward, filmmaker behind Black Zombie, examines the cultural history of zombies, focusing on Haitian origins.
The documentary highlights negative portrayals in early horror films.
Bedward includes interviews with scholars, horror figures, and voodoo practitioners to foreground diverse voices.
The film links the zombie metaphor to the transatlantic slave trade to reshape perceptions of voodoo.
The documentary premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival.

History

Historical Context

The Haitian Revolution, culminating in 1804, was a pivotal uprising against French colonial rule, driven by enslaved Africans seeking freedom from brutal slavery. This insurrection led to Haiti becoming the first independent Black-led nation, significantly influencing global perceptions of race and slavery. Maya Annik Bedward's documentary "Black Zombie" connects these historical injustices to contemporary cultural portrayals, reshaping understandings of voodoo and its significance.

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Story summary

Maya Annik Bedward, filmmaker behind Black Zombie, examines the cultural history of zombies, focusing on Haitian origins.
The documentary highlights negative portrayals in early horror films.
Bedward includes interviews with scholars, horror figures, and voodoo practitioners to foreground diverse voices.
The film links the zombie metaphor to the transatlantic slave trade to reshape perceptions of voodoo.
The documentary premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival.

1 / 2