Zeinabu irene Davis’s landmark film COMPENSATION— distributed by Women Make Movies from its release in 1999 until 2023, when it was restored and released by The Criterion Collection—has been selected for preservation in the prestigious National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. This recognition affirms the enduring cultural, historical, and artistic importance of Davis’s work, and its place within the legacy of American cinema. Davis, a longtime WMM filmmaker known for titles like CYCLES, A POWERFUL THANG, and MOTHER OF THE RIVER, has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and representation.
COMPENSATION tells two parallel stories of love and connection that unfold across both the early and late 20th centuries. Centering on Black deaf individuals navigating relationships shaped by isolation and prejudice, the film employs American Sign Language (ASL), poetic intertitles, and innovative narrative structures. In doing so, it expands the language of cinema while amplifying voices too often underrepresented on screen.
Each year, the National Film Registry selects works that have profoundly influenced American culture, ensuring their preservation for generations to come. The inclusion of COMPENSATION underscores the transformative power of Davis’s vision, celebrates her vital contributions to cinema and social discourse, and reaffirms Women Make Movies’ ongoing commitment to taking risks on and championing films that challenge norms, foster equity, and broaden our collective understanding of the world.
For more about this year’s inductees, visit the Library of Congress newsroom.
