Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Compensation is a storied film from director and writer Zeinabu irene Davis that captures two eras of Chicago life—1906 and the 1990s—through interwoven narratives anchored by performances from Michelle A. Banks and John Earl Jelks. With a distinctive score by Reginald R. Robinson (historical) and a contemporary overlay by Atiba Y. Jali, the film invites viewers into a rich tapestry of love, labor, and community. In 2024, the work earned a place in the National Film Registry for its cultural and historic significance, ensuring its influence endures for new audiences. The 4K restoration, released in 2025, brings new life to Davis’s landmark storytelling, now distributed by Janus Films and available to stream on The Criterion Channel.