A unique portrait of how art and activism for black people in film are indivisible from race and cinema.
In this incredible docu-series, British Filmmaker and Photographer Simon Frederick captures the voice of some of the most celebrated black actors ever seen on the big screen. Through their stories, they unveil struggles of racism and how they broke barriers that eventually opened doors for the most talented black artists you see working in the industry today. Hattie McDaniel was the first black to win an Academy Award as Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge paved the way for the black romantic leads and characters who depicted a more desirable image.
As blacks were constantly portrayed as the help or drug pushers, they began to write and produce their own films, taking control of their narrative. Amazing filmmakers like Spike Lee, John Singleton, Ava DuVernay, Kasi Lemmons, Barry Jenkins, Ryan Coogler, and Jordan Peele, amongst many others, were determined to tell authentic stories of black love, struggle and issues surrounding race from the real black experience.
In a climate where black actors, producers, and directors were barely recognized or praised for their talent and dedication to the craft, these many stories show how blacks are changing the game by creating their owns spaces and becoming necessary in entertainment as many studios have cast black leads as doctors, lawyers, and presidents, which have been roles always given to whites. The industry is slowly changing but we still have a long way to go as some actors are told they are not good enough to play these characters. As blacks in cinema have been proving many wrong with box office hits like “Black Panther,” “Get Out,” “Moonlight” and many more, they continue to produce powerful films that simply cannot be denied!
Available to stream on Netflix February 5th
