NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD's Duane Jones Is Horror's Rare Black Lead | On Film

Night of the Living Dead, directed by adopted Torontonian George Romero in 1968, marked the first time a Black actor was cast as the lead in a horror film. Author, executive producer, and educator Tananarive Due — who created a university course inspired by Jordan Peele’s Get Out — visited TIFF to discuss the history and legacy of Romero’s most unexpected hero, played by the essential Duane Jones.

Known as the "Godfather of Zombiedom", Romero defined the Zombie film genre with Night and its sequels Dawn of the Dead (1978) and Day of the Dead (1985), and continues to push the genre further with more recent entries, such as Diary of the Dead (2007), which made its world premiere at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival. Having worked outside the mainstream studio system, Romero is a pioneer of independent filmmaking. In addition to directing, Romero also wrote and produced many of his most iconic films. With zombiewalks a worldwide phenomenon and continuing interest in zombie art, literature, film and television works, Romero's contributions to film and popular culture are immeasurable. Outside of the Dead universe, the director also discussed his equally innovative horror films The Crazies (1973), Martin (1976), and Creepshow (1982).

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