Summer Screening List 2020: Films By And About Black Americans
A great way to become anti-racist it to start by listening to stories that have been marginalized or silenced.
The fact that most Americans didn’t even know about Juneteenth or the Tulsa Massacre until now, shows how the history of black America has been ignored by mainstream (white) culture, omitted by history textbooks, and neglected by Hollywood.
For this summer’s screening list, I thought I’d share a (incomplete) list of films by or about black Americans, some of which I screen in my high school cinema class, and others that are just personal favorites.
Documentary
I am Not Your Negro (USA, 2017)
I shared this film in my 2017 summer screening list, but it’s even more relevant this year. Based on an incomplete book by James Baldwin, the documentary, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, explores Baldwin’s ideas on racism in the U.S., and includes many clips from interviews and his university speeches. This doc will change the way you think about race in this country.
Hoop Dreams (USA, 1994)
This doc follows the lives of two Chicago boys for six years, from middle school through high school, as they strive to become professional basketball players. Along the way we see the challenges of being black in the U.S., the emphasis on professional sports as a way out of poverty, and the many challenges these boys face as they strive to become successful in life.
Narrative
Daughters of the Dust (USA, 1991)
Director Julie Dash’s historical drama, set on a Georgia island in 1902, tells the story of a family of former slaves who are about to leave their home for the North. Distinctively an art film, this slow-paced, yet beautiful film is dense with ideas, history, and interpersonal conflicts.
Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (USA, 2000)
This gangster/samurai/western film tells the story of Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker), an assassin for hire that tries to survive a mafia family that has double crossed him. On the surface, this is an action film. Under the surface, it’s a classical tragedy, and a thoughtful meditation on race, gender, and the ways that traditional honor codes can lead to tragic results. Think of it as a sort of updated variation on Ellison’s Invisible Man.
This is the followup to Dead Man, director Jim Jarmusch’s exploration of the genocide of native Americans. Scored by RZA of Wu Tang Clan, you’ll love this film for Jarmusch’s dry wit, quirky characters, and deep set of literary references.
Humor and Satire
Dolemite Is My Name (USA, 2019)
Released last fall by Netflix, Dolemite follows the true story of blaxploitation producer and actor Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) as he strives to find his place as an entertainer. The film explores the struggles of being a black artist, the importance of collaboration, and asks us to question the concept of high vs low art.
Blackish (ABC)
My favorite TV show, this smart, biting social commentary is disguised as a family comedy. Creator Kenya Barris’ series of 30 minute episodes covers topics ranging from multiracial marriages to the controversial use of the N-word by black folks.
Black Jeopardy (NBC)
Saturday Night Live has a long history of creating landmark social commentary and satire. This series of sketches dates back several years, and has more layers of meta than an Onion article about Donald Trump’s Twitter feed. Standout episodes include the one with MAGA supporter, Doug (Tom Hanks), and the one featuring T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) from the superhero flick Black Panther.
What are some great films about the black experience that you’d recommend? Leave your favorites in the comments below.
