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Artistically envisioned and lovingly done, Looking for Langston is an exploration of the life and consequences of late African-American poet Langston Hughes. It is impossible to tell Hughes' story without delving into the social atmosphere in which he thrived. The Harlem Renaissance was in full swing when Hughes found his voice. He represented the unabashed energy of the Cotton Club and the emerging tone of beat poetry. Filmmaker Isaac Julien fuses together a multitude of images to create a patchwork of impressions about the changing gay culture. Archival footage and a jazz soundtrack breathe life into this documentary journey. Looking for Langston has become a favorite within the gay community for its willingness to examine the viewpoint including sexuality and the black experience.

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