February is the time to observe and honor Black history, and there are several ways to do so.
Every year, Black-made and Black-starring movies are brought to the cinemas. Streaming platforms and cinemas traditionally spotlight films about the African-American experience. Yet, while stories of slavery and segregation remain important historical touchstones, they represent just one facet of the vast spectrum of Black storytelling in film.
Sophia Holt, a film student at DU has experienced firsthand the obstacles that come with being a filmmaker of color.
“For me, it always comes down to representation,” said Holt. “As a biracial lesbian filmmaker, I have rarely seen my own experience reflected in the media.”
Her latest film, “With Liberty and Justice For All,” which won Best Director for Student Film at the Revolution Me Film Festival, confronts issues of racial injustice head-on.
Holt also highlighted industry-wide barriers to hiring and recognition.
“Black women make up less than 2% of film directors,” said Holt. “In 97 years of the Academy, not a single Black woman has ever been nominated for the Best Director Oscar. I would like to see this change.”
As she prepares for her graduation in March, Holt has her sights set on being the first queer woman to win Best Director at the Oscars and directing a commercial for the Super Bowl one day.
This year, we’re shifting focus to celebrate groundbreaking Black cinema that explores contemporary narratives, systemic challenges and the full breadth of the Black experience in America. From hard-hitting documentaries to coming-of-age dramas, these five films showcase the creative vision of Black filmmakers and the compelling performances of Black actors who are reshaping Hollywood’s landscape.
- 13th (2016)
Leading our selections is Ava DuVernay’s “13th,” a masterful documentary that has fundamentally altered the conversation about mass incarceration in America. Through the lens of cinematographers Kira Kelly and Hans Charles, the film weaves together insights from scholars and activists to expose the troubling connections between racial inequality and the prison-industrial complex.
- The Hate U Give (2018)
Following closely is “The Hate U Give,” George Tillman Jr.’s acclaimed adaptation that captivated both critics and audiences. The film, which garnered significant acclaim including an NAACP Image Award for star Amandla Stenberg, demonstrates the commercial and critical potential of authentic Black storytelling, grossing nearly $35 million worldwide.
- If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Available on Hulu, Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel demonstrates the director’s masterful touch following his success with “Moonlight.” The film follows a young couple in 1970s Harlem whose love story is tested when one is falsely imprisoned. Jenkins, alongside cinematographer James Laxton and composer Nicholas Britell, the film accumulated numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Regina King’s performance. With a production budget of $12 million, the film went on to gross over $20 million worldwide.
- Nope (2022)
Jordan Peele’s sci-fi horror thriller, streaming on Amazon Prime, follows two siblings who discover a mysterious force above their family ranch. The film earned widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking visual effects and unique take on the UFO genre, grossing over $171 million worldwide.
- One Night in Miami (2020)
Actor Regina King’s directorial debut, available on Amazon Prime, imagines a night of conversation between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke in 1964. The film received several awards, including three Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations, with Broadway star Leslie Odom Jr.’s performance as Sam Cooke earning particular praise from critics.
The commercial and critical success of these films, collectively grossing over $250 million worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards, demonstrates the industry’s growing recognition of Black storytellers and their vital contributions to contemporary cinema, as readers and film enthusiasts engage with these powerful narratives not just in February, but year-round.
