blackmediamind

[blackmediamind]

Flickz ( 2023 )

“Flickz” is an independent film that recently got a lot of attention of social media for how raw the visuals and character interactions feel. The movie follows the journey of a young and ambitious photographer, named Raven who has always been passionate about capturing moments that tell it like it is. Due to a lack of inspiration and stagnancy in her work, she moved to New York City. One day, while in the city, she came across a group of vibrant individuals seeking out models for some casual pics; who- unbeknown to her- share the love for art and creativity. They quickly become friends and Raven begins to see the world through a new lens.

As Raven’s photography starts to gain recognition, she’s approached by prestigious brands that offers to showcase his work under conditions that don’t fit her or her new group of friend’s ideals. The group motivate her to continue sticking to herself because the love will come tenfold if it’s coming from an authentic source.

“Flickz” is a heartwarming tale of friendship, creativity, and self-discovery.

[blackmediamind]

Miss Juneteenth ( 2020 )

"Miss Juneteenth" is a film that follows the story of a mother and daughter dynamic. Former teenage beauty queen,Turquoise Jones, is now a hardworking bartender and single mother of daughter, Kai. Turquoise is determined to make sure that her daughter, has the chance to win a local beauty contest like she used to love. The film used this dynamic to explore themes of motherhood, self-sacrifice, and how the legacy of Black history in America intertwines within. There’s even homage to the emancipation proclamation in the pageant’s title.

The social and economic challenges faced by working-class communities, particularly in the Black community, and the ways in which the Miss Juneteenth pageant serves as a symbol of hope and opportunity for young Black women.

Being in pageants myself growing up, it was so beautiful seeing the two try to bond and connect with each other through the ability to participate in the pageant.

[blackmediamind]

Zola ( 2020 )

I was actually super excited that this was being premiered in class because this would be my second watch. Definitely different than what I was used to being shown in this class though.

The movie is based on a viral twitter thread and I anticipated it since I had seen the thread before the concept of it becoming a movie was in the works.

"Zola" is a 2020 A24 ( I LOVE A24! ) comedy/ drama film directed by Janicza Bravo and written by Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris, based on a true story experienced by twitter user A'Ziah "Zola" King. The story revolves around a stripper who embarks on a chaotic and dangerous road trip to Florida with a very new acquaintance named Stefani.

The two meet while working at a strip club in Detroit and quickly form a bond, or so it seems. Stefani convinces Zola to join her trip to Florida with the intention to make more money from clubs. However, it’s revealed that once they arrive, Stefani has ulterior motives. She becomes shifty with her intentions and begins involuntarily including Zola in her dangerous and illegal situation.

The movie had beautiful and engaging visuals, strong performances, and dark comedic relief. The film surfaces themes of exploitation and has received praise for its portrayal of complex and nuanced female characters. However, many of the original fans of the story feel like it was underwhelming compared to how the tweet rollout was. I enjoyed it though. Both watches.

[blackmediamind]

Chameleon Street ( 1998 )

“Chameleon Street" is an independent film written, directed, produced, and starring Wendell B. Harris Jr. This grasped my interest far more when I found this out.

The film is based on the true story, of a Detroit con man. In the movie, William Douglas Street successfully impersonates different prestigious career choices. He convinced people that he was a lawyer, a surgeon, a journalist, and a few other professions before eventually being caught.

The film follows Street along his experiences as a quick minded and charismatic man who happens to excel at manipulating people/situations to his advantage. He’s able to convince people of his expertise disregarding what field it may be, and uses this to his advantage to gain money, attention, and elevate his status. However, as most good things come to an end, his manipulations eventually catch up with him and he’s forced to face the consequences of his actions.

"Chameleon Street" is cool because it has a unique way of storytelling ( non-linear structure). It also depicts what a black film should be represented as. There’s nods to exploration of issues related to race, identity, and social mobility.

[blackmediamind]

Moolaadé ( 2004 )

The title "Moolaadé" refers to a traditional practice of protection in some African cultures that involves a woman seeking sanctuary by going through a ritual of binding. This usually involves female circumcision with intentions of seeking protection from a spell. The word itself translates to “magical protection”.

The film tells the story of Collé, a woman in a small African village who refuses to allow her daughter to undergo the practice of female genital mutilation. Collé's decision to protest this outdated and coercive ritual sets off a chain of events that challenges the village's long-held traditions and beliefs.

The film explores themes of tradition, modernity, and women's rights in African societies as time and culture progresses beyond acts of such. There are currently girls who are still facing this issue that attention is barely brought to. I’ve seen petitions and awareness about FGM a few times, but it never seems like much is done about it. The crucially significant risks of this procedure are usually dismissed and it can be argued that it’s because it effects African women. It can also motivate resistance against unjust and marginalized misogyny, even if it’s co side red “by the book”.

"Moolaadé" was reasonably awarded the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

[blackmediamind]

The Spook Who Sat by The Door ( 1973 )

"The Spook Who Sat by the Door" is a 1973 political thriller film directed by Ivan Dixon. This movie was based on a novel written by Sam Greenlee.

The film tells the story of Dan Freeman, the first black CIA officer, who is viewed as the “token black” agent. His time with the CIA provides Freeman with clarity surrounding the agency's treatment of African Americans and influence on systematic white oppression. When he has the realization that this isn’t what he wants- for him and his people- he quits. He then uses his knowledge that he received through training to organize a group of young revolutionaries to fight for black liberation.

Upon search for the movie, a special feature video commentary appears in the results. The commentary revealed that the movie was controversial upon its release due to its portrayal of black radicalism. Many white people overlooked the message of the film and jumped to viewing it was a threat. In result of white American distaste, the film was subsequently pulled from theaters. However, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a landmark in black cinema.

So much to the point that black current celebrities have shown some love to the film in their work. From a Nipsey Hussle to Donald Glover, I’m glad a “hidden” film is being mentioned by modern black artists with huge followings. The movie didn’t receive the love it deserved upon release, but definitely is being spoken about years later.

[blackmediamind]

Classified X ( 1998 )

"Classified X" is another documentary film that was directed by Melvin Van Peebles.

The film explores the history of black representation in Hollywood. The ways in which African Americans have been stereotyped and marginalized were also discussed in this film. It consists of interviews with filmmakers, actors, and scholars who gave descriptive insight on the problem at hand. Clips from various films ranging from early silent films to contemporary Hollywood blockbusters were also used to express this message vividly. And vivid it was.

Personally, I feel as though this approach on documentation style helped portray the chronological timeline in black roles. Did they improve? Is their more diversity? Less stereotype? More controversy? It was easy to notice and compare the treatment of black actors and roles they were representing through these different clip styles. Interviews gave insight on personal experiences while clips from film itself showed how it looked to audiences. It also represented what roles we were associated with when it came to pop culture.

I really enjoyed the film for its incisive analysis of Hollywood's treatment of black people and its examination of the ways in which racism has been embedded in film history.

It was also interesting to see the impact that the documentary left with me. Far after we watched the movie in class, I tuned into an amazing video essay about Pam Grier and how Hollywood took exploited her ethnicity for black roles heavily during her prime. It isn’t tied to Classified X but they go hand in hand when it comes to the topic of Hollywood exploiting black actors and characters. The video essay was posted on YouTube by the user: Final Girl Studios.

[blackmediamind]

Malcom X ( 1992)

The 1992 film "Malcolm X" , starring Denzel Washington as the lead role, is a biographical film/ drama that was directed by Spike Lee. Washington played as the well known civil rights leader Malcolm X.

The film follows his Malcolm X’s life from his earlier days. From his upbringing and family situation and how he started off as a hustler and criminal, to his conversion to Islam. Every detail regarding how he became what he’s best known for was displayed. It’s interesting to see the comparison between him living in his ignorance and what endeavors he faced doing so,

to what good came out of it. His story is the epitome of the “rose who grew from concrete”. As early as his childhood, he was shown how unfair the system is. We then see how he acted out against it. These actions led to his imprisonment, where he learned how to beat said system. It’s a great unfolding of events and adds a lot of humanity to a huge public figure. I believe it’s a great depiction.

However, it also received criticism for its portrayal of some historical events and figures, as well as for its depiction of the Nation of Islam. With this being said, it can be applied that times and knowledge on cultural/religious differences weren’t as understood or researched at the time this film was released.

Overall, "Malcolm X" is considered to be a significant and influential film that explores important themes of black identity, civil rights, and social justice.

[blackmediamind]

Alma’s Rainbow ( 1994 )

Alma’s rainbow was one of my favorite black girl coming of age films. It was camp.

“Alma's Rainbow" is a drama film directed by Ayoka Chenzira. It tells the story of a young woman, Alma, who struggles with her identity and connections while pursuing her dream of becoming a star in the entertainment industry. Between having to understand her post pubescent self and how she interacts with those around her outside of that, we see Alma go through a few things that most girls may face at these times. The film also explores themes of African American culture, family dynamics, and personal growth.

I admired how the black cast was shown in such diverse roles. Nuns, street dancers, stern & professional, and even the culture flowing through the hair salon scene was real. I noticed that the use of black characters and their diversity went as far as having different diasporas. One of the hairdressers was definitely an older Carribean lady. Being from Brooklyn, New York ( where the movie is based ) this is a very normal sight to see..so it was nice to see that accurate representation.

After doing research, I found out that this movie received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the performances and the film's exploration of complex issues, while others criticized it for being overly sentimental or cliché. However, it has since become a cult classic among some audiences, particularly in the African American community, for its portrayal of a young woman's journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

[blackmediamind]

Trouble in the Water (2008)

Where do I begin?

This film is a documentary that follows the story of couple, Kimberly and Scott Roberts, during Hurricane Katrina ( 2005 ). Directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, the film provides an extremely personal perspective on the devastating impact of the natural disaster as it shows the experiences of the people who were directly effected by the storm. The documentary is a compilation of footage shot by Kimberly and Scott , who were current residents in New Orleans at the time. This film style allows viewers with a first-hand look at the chaos and destruction caused by the hurricane. As it occurred and during the aftermath.

Overall, the documentary has received its flowers for its powerful storytelling and emotional impact. It sheds light on the systemic failures that exacerbated the devastation caused by the hurricane and highlights the resilience and strength of the people affected by it. This understanding is enhanced through the raw footage. It makes it real and the harshness of their reality was as authentic as it gets. Great film.