RIVERBEND (1989) Restored – Philly Screening 2/26/26

For the last 3 years Reelblack Founder Mike Dennis has been working on the recovery and 6K restoration of Riverbend, a long-lost 1989 independent action drama starring Steve James and Margaret Avery. This screening also marks the formal return of Reelblack after a nearly seven-year hiatus, as well as the launch of Reelblack Renaissance, a new boutique Blu-ray label dedicated to rescuing and restoring lost classics of Black independent cinema. 

Come out to celebrate and support the Philadelphia RIVERBEND PREMIERE  on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM at Film Society East. Includes Q&A with director and cast.    

Riverbend is historically and politically distinctive in that it depicts Black characters teaching one another to organize and resist systemic oppression without the intervention of a white ally. In the history of American cinema, the only comparable example is Ivan Dixon’s independently financed The Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973).

CLICK FOR TRAILER

THE EVENING BEFORE SCREENING – SPECIAL PROGRAM 
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Location: Academy of Natural Sciences

THE BUSINESS OF ART – FEATURING JULIUS TENNON 

Ahead of Riverbend Premiere, newly restored in 6K by Reelblack. Join Entrepreneur Works Presents: The Business of Art featuring Julius Tennon (co-founder of JuVee Productions) in partnership with Philm Factory, Reelblack Inc. & Teaspoon & Pond Media. Calling all actors, filmmakers, creators and entrepreneurs for an intimate conversation on creativity, ownership, and longevity in the arts. From choosing projects and protecting your work to sustaining momentum over time, this event pulls back the curtain on what it takes to survive and thrive in creative industries.