As we reach the mid-way point of Black History Month, it’s time to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Black experiences beyond what’s mainstream. While there are many well-known documentaries that shed light on various aspects of Black history and culture, there are a number of lesser-known gems that deserve more attention. Here are seven underrated documentaries that offer unique perspectives on Black history, activism, and identity:
1. Sisters in the Struggle (1991) directed by Dionne Brand and Ginny Stikeman
This documentary by the National Film Board of Canada is a candid exploration of anti-black racism against women in Canada. Through intimate conversations with Black women active in politics, community organising, and feminism, Sisters in the Struggle uncovers the intersecting struggles of racism and sexism. It amplifies the voices of Black women fighting systemic discrimination and violence, offering a powerful testament to resilience and solidarity.
2. Black Indians: An American Story (2001) directed by Chip Richie
Black Indians shines a light on a forgotten aspect of American history—the cultural and racial fusion of Native and African Americans. From Crispus Attucks to James Earl Jones, the documentary reveals the influential role of Black Indigenous folks in shaping the nation. Through interviews with descendants and historical analysis, it celebrates the enduring legacy of this unique ancestry, challenging conventional narratives of race and identity in America.
3. Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (2002) directed by Lee Hirsch
Music is a powerful tool of resistance as portrayed in Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony. This documentary chronicles the role of music in the South African anti-apartheid movement. From protest songs to underground performances, music became a source of strength and solidarity for Black South Africans fighting against injustice. Through interviews and archival footage, the film captures the spirit of resilience that fueled the struggle for freedom.
4. They Are We (2014) directed by Emma Christopher
In They Are We, the story of a Cuban community with West African roots unfolds. Through centuries of adversity, the Gangá-Longobá have preserved their unique heritage, defying oppression and maintaining cultural traditions. The documentary celebrates the resilience of the Afro-Cuban community and explores the power of ancestral connections to overcome the legacy of slavery.
5. Black Gold (2018) directed by Nick Francis and Marc Francis
Black Gold exposes the harsh realities of the coffee industry in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. While multinational corporations profit from coffee sales, farmers struggle to make ends meet, facing exploitation and poverty. Through the story of Tadesse Meskela and Ethiopian coffee farmers, the documentary sheds light on the inequities of global trade and the human cost of consumerism.
6. The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 (2011) directed by Göran Olsson
Swedish journalists captured the essence of the Black Power movement in America during the late 1960s and early 1970s in The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975. With footage of activists like Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, and Huey P. Newton, the documentary offers a nuanced understanding of the movement’s goals, challenges, and impact on American society. It’s a vital historical document that resonates with contemporary struggles for racial justice.
7. The Stuart Hall ProjecT (2013) directed by John Akomfrah
The Stuart Hall Project pays tribute to the life and ideas of Jamaican-born British intellectual Stuart Hall. As a pioneer of Cultural Studies, Hall profoundly influenced understandings of race, identity, and social change in Britain. Through archival footage and interviews, the documentary illuminates Hall’s enduring legacy and his contributions to Black British scholarship and activism.
This Black History Month, take the opportunity to explore these underrated documentaries that offer fresh perspectives on Black experiences and contributions to the world. From Canada to Cuba, and South Africa to America, these films celebrate resilience, resistance, and the enduring spirit of Black communities worldwide.