Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey

117 minutes, 2001, United States

Producer/Director: William Greaves

Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey

Educational Streaming

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations

Streaming licenses for institutional use—ideal for education, training, and research.

Community Screening

Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants-where no admission is charged).

Flexible options for educators, facilitators, and non-commercial screenings.

Home Viewing

48-hour personal streaming rental for in-home use only.

For individuals without institutional access.

Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche (1903-1971) was a statesman, peace negotiator, leading intellectual and scholar, and the first person of color to win the Nobel Peace Prize. An African American who overcame racial prejudice and poverty to become Undersecretary General of the United Nations, Bunche's life offers a unique window on many key issues and historical events that took place during the middle of the 20th century. This award-winning two-hour documentary film, narrated by Sidney Poitier, tells the story of his life and times.

Bunche was a political scientist, educator and civil rights activist during the 1930s. He played a key role in the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1946. In 1949, he successfully mediated four Middle East Armistice agreements for which he received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize. Bunche devoted the last 25 years of his life to the United Nations, working in the areas of de-colonization and international peacekeeping.

Teaching Strategies

Educational Resources

ABOUT WILLIAM GREAVES

A director, producer, actor and writer, William Greaves' films have won over seventy international film festival awards including an Emmy. He served as executive producer and co-host of the pioneering 1960s network television series Black Journal. His complete filmography reveals that he has been one of the most prolific and eloquent African American voices in the media over the past three decades. For more information visit www.williamgreaves.com.

Ralph Bunche's historic life and extraordinary achievements are wonderfully documented in this film. I enthusiastically recommend it. — Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Harvard University

A stunning film on the career of super diplomat Ralph Bunche is readily winning a place among the great screen biographies. — Erik Barnouw

This superb documentary brings long overdue attention to a major historical figure. A highly recommended purchase for high school and public libraries. — School Library Journal

We should restore Bunche's reputation not so much for his sake as for our own. His fall from prominence is tragic — Arnold Rampersad, Dean of Humanities, Stanford University

Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey trailer image

Ways to Watch

Educational Streaming

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations.

Community Screening

Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants, where no admission is charged).

Home Viewing

48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply