It may come as no surprise to many of us that the media industry is a messed up place. Constant scandals and rumors run rampant about the industry’s inner workings and what goes on behind the scenes within Hollywood. While stories may be entertaining to hear, most of the messed-up realities about the film industry are right before our eyes. To put it plainly, Hollywood still has a massive issue with representation.
According to a USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study, only 27 of the top 1,200 films from 2007 to 2018 starred lead or co-leads from an underrepresented ethnic community. While the report also found that the percentage of characters from underrepresented ethnic communities went up to 36%, it’s still disappointing to know that these characters were not the stars of the show. While there are definitely efforts to diversify the narratives we see on screen, there is still a long way to go. It’s essential now more than ever for folks from these communities to be able to tell their own stories and see themselves on the screen.
Since Black History Month is coming to an end, it’s essential to highlight the films that have broken boundaries by presenting Black voices in fresh, unique ways. Black films are often expected to be stories of the past, with Black trauma being the center of these storylines. Blackness gets conflated with the historical legacies of slavery, segregation and the continuous Black struggle. While these are essential aspects of Black history, it’s not right that most of the Black community’s representation within Hollywood is only seen through these narratives.
Black folks deserve to feel represented within the screen and various genres, including cheesy romance, coming-of-age comedy and introspective drama. In an attempt to refresh your catalog, I’ve compiled five movies that highlight Black voices and experiences without relying on the same narratives.
- “Moonlight” (2016)
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I wish I had the words to fawn over how breathtaking this movie is. I tried to write about this film for my college admission essay. It resonated with many of my experiences as an LGBTQ person of color from a low-income neighborhood within Miami. Yet, as much as I tried and after over 20 rough drafts, I felt like I never did the film any justice. Two years later, I will try to take on the challenge of describing the beauty of this film for you. “Moonlight” is a coming-of-age drama directed by Barry Jenkins that takes us through the different phases of the lead character’s life. While the film tackles an array of complicated topics like drug addiction, homophobia, unrequited love and poverty, the film’s cinematography makes every scene draw viewers closer and that much more emotionally striking. The director and actors did a fantastic job at making such a mesmerizing, powerful and amazing film. It’s no surprise that the film has won countless awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, so I would check it out the next time you’re scrolling aimlessly on Netflix.
- “Dope” (2015)
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“Dope” is the most underrated film on this list, and this comes from someone who skims over the comedy section on Netflix almost every time. The film follows a group of high-school outcasts that bring a charismatic thrill to the movie as they chronicle their shenanigans, including their punk band and their mistakes of messing with a drug dealer’s supply. Through the movie, they work their hardest to get rid of the drugs, which leads them into interesting situations. The film’s three main stars include Shameik Moore, Kiersey Clemmons and Tony Revolori, which give the film a refreshing, upbeat atmosphere that any 90s fan will be sure to enjoy. The film also features A$AP Rocky and Zoe Kravitz, for any fans of the two. Overall, the film is a great flick to tune into that’ll leave you amused with its unexpected twists and lighthearted laughs.
- “Paris is Burning” (1990)
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While I debated putting this film into the list since there are some issues I have with the director and the actors’ compensation within the film, I still believe it’s a staple film that looks at LGBTQ+ Black and Brown history. “Paris is Burning” has become a cult classic within the LGBTQ+ film genre, as it touches upon the ball culture of the mid-to-late 80s and the communities that created this culture. The documentary highlights and features interviews with influential members of the scene, including Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, Pepper Labeija and Willi Ninja. Through the film, these figures help to piece together how this subculture and expression has flourished within the underground gay community. As well, the film deals with topics including transphobia, racism, poverty, AIDS and violence. Seen as one of, if not the most, recognizable film by Jenni Livingston, it’s sad to know that the people who catapulted this piece had to fight to be financially compensated for their labor and energy, all of which made the piece so recognizable. Despite this, I encourage everyone to watch the film to learn from these folks’ truths and realities.
- “Poetic Justice” (1993)
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This classic Tupac and Janet Jackson flick should be on your watchlist if you’re a romance fan. “Poetic Justice” chronicles the unlikely yet gentle match between Lucky, a charming postal worker, and Justice, a hairdresser that pens poetry. While they both get stuck on a road trip together, the two connect on a vulnerable and trusting level and show that love can be found in the most unexpected places. The writing and scenes within the film are captivating and heartwarming. The director and actors do a great job at chipping away at the protagonists’ hard exteriors to reveal a fragile, new love.
- “Dream Girls” (2006)
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The final movie for this list features none other than Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. This all-star lineup takes a spin on the Broadway musical of the same name, which is based on the success of acts such as The Supremes, James Brown and Jackie Wilson. The movie follows the story of an all-female trio based in Chicago who follows their dreams of stardom and the trouble that comes with it. This drama is a heart-wrenching tale of Black artists’ struggles within the music industry and their personal lives. Overall, the film features fantastic performances and incredible writing, as well as an excellent soundtrack!
While these are just a couple of notable films that center on Black actors and experiences, there are many more for you to explore. I hope that this list can diversify your next watch party and provide a bit more joy to the storylines expected within Black film.