Jamaa Fanaka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jamaa Fanaka
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| Born |
Walter Gordon
September 6, 1942 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Died | April 1, 2012 (aged 69) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Compton Junior College, UCLA |
| Occupation | Film director, producer, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1972–2012 |
| Parent(s) | Robert L. and Beatrice Gordon |
Jamaa Fanaka (born Walter Gordon; September 6, 1942 – April 1, 2012) was an American filmmaker. He was a director, producer, and writer of movies. He is best known for his 1979 film, Penitentiary. Fanaka was also an important part of the L.A. Rebellion film movement. This was a group of African and African-American filmmakers who studied at UCLA in the 1960s and 1970s. They made movies that showed new stories and ideas.
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Early Life and Education
Jamaa Fanaka was born Walter Gordon in Jackson, Mississippi. His parents were Robert L. and Beatrice Gordon. He later changed his name to Jamaa Fanaka.
In 1971, Fanaka was accepted into the film school at the UCLA. This was a big step for him to learn how to make movies. While at UCLA, he made a short film called A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan. Fanaka himself acted in this film.
Filmmaking Career
During his time in film school, Fanaka started making movies that told important stories. He wrote, produced, and directed several films.
Early Films
One of his early films was Emma Mae (1974). This movie is about a young woman who moves from Mississippi to Los Angeles. She has to get used to a completely new way of life.
He also made Welcome Home Brother Charles (1975). This film explored the serious problems and effects of racism.
The Penitentiary Series
Fanaka's most famous film is Penitentiary (1979). This movie tells the story of a young man who is wrongly sent to prison. He uses his boxing skills to try and win his freedom.
The success of Penitentiary led to two sequels. Fanaka directed Penitentiary II in 1982 and Penitentiary III in 1987.
Later Work
In 1992, Fanaka completed a film called Street Wars. He was also working on a documentary film called Hip Hop Hope. This movie was about the underground Hip Hop culture.
Filmography
Here are some of the movies Jamaa Fanaka directed:
- A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan" (short, 1972)
- Welcome Home Brother Charles (1975)
- Emma Mae (1976)
- Penitentiary (1979)
- Penitentiary II (1982)
- Penitentiary III (1987)
- Street Wars (1992)
