Saratoga Jewish Community Arts announces a Panel Discussion of the film  A Raisin in the Sun, Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 7 pm on Zoom

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, presents a panel discussion on Zoom of the ground-breaking film A Raisin in the Sun. The panel discussion, part of SJCA’s Social Justice series, will take place on Zoom on Thursday, October 9 at 7 pm.

The film is available to rent or buy from Amazon Prime Video. 

The film A Raisin in the Sun is based on a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959. It was the first play by a black woman to be performed on Broadway.

“In the late 1950’s, it was a risky investment to launch a show in which all the characters but one were black,” says SJCA Coordinator Phyllis Wang. “It took some eighteen months for the producer, Philip Rose, to raise enough money to commence production.”  

The 1961 film version was directed by Daniel Petrie and stars Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Louis Gossett, Jr. It was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.

The film examines generational conflict and housing discrimination and captures the high stakes, shifting currents, and varieties of experience within black life in midcentury America.  

In a cramped and decaying apartment situated in Chicago’s South Side, the Younger family grapples with financial pressures. As the narrative unfolds, the Youngers also are reeling from the recent loss of their patriarch.

Tensions escalate between Mama’s values, deeply rooted in faith, and a son’s material ambitions as the family debates how to divide an expected life insurance payout. The story ends with a stark reminder that true freedom is only attainable through collective bravery, unwavering resolve, and an embrace of family values.  

Our discussion panel will share their insights on how relevant the film remains for America’s racial climate today – and for all families facing similar challenges.  Pre-registration is required.

To register enter the URL in your browser: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/uvTaVZu/Raisin