I'm Travis Hunter, joined as always by my co-host, my sister, and my brother-in-law.

Hi, I'm Renee Hunter Vasquez. Hi, I'm John Paul Vasquez.

This week, we're broadcasting live from the sprawling mansion of Dr. Green,

discussing the 1973 horror film, Gonja and Hess.

This film was written and directed by Bill Gunn.

Tasked by producers to create a vampire film in the same vein as Blacula,

which was released the year prior, Gunn instead took a more original approach, delivering a metaphorical meditation on race,

identity, religion, and addiction through the veil of vampirism. With a talented cast,

interesting ideas, and an experimental and unorthodox execution, Gja and Hess is as intriguing as it is significant.

This film was recommended to us by friend of the show and when to go get her,

Pancake the Panda.

We want to thank her so much for her continued support as well as this suggestion.

So, Ganja and Hess.

What were your first impressions on the film?

I had never heard of this movie up until we were getting ready to cover it.

Uh-huh.

I might have heard it and not paid it, you know, kind of paid attention to it,

and I'd never seen it definitely.

Very artsy movie.

Yes.

A lot of shots, really nice shots. I was very confused. I did enjoy the movie. Yes. A lot of shots, really nice shots.

I was very confused.

...