Films for the Revolution: A Film Mixtape
We’re tired of trauma porn. Here’s a list of Black films that showcase Black joy, love and life.
Written by: Inayah Bashir & Kolbi Bradley
In light of Netflix’s “Black Lives Matter” category (a slave & trauma-filled category of tears and sadness), I decided that I wanted to create a list of revolutionary Black films that actually exemplify parts of Black life and Black joy that can help us to move forward and heal. By depicting the complexities of Black life and Black matters, these films offer us ways to understand Black history, Black biases, and Black culture.
But First, More on My Beef With Black Trauma in Film
Me and my homegirls are fed up with Black narratives solely focusing on trauma. At this point, we have a term: trauma porn, or works of art that capitalize on Black pain for no good reason, pointless consumption of trauma. This denotes the fact that as a culture, the West seems to be obsessed with consuming and creating Black pain. Mainstream media has done an effective job of showcasing this pain. And to me, this is why people struggle to imagine worlds in which Black people do not suffer.
We should no longer encourage people to continuously view and observe Black pain. Narratives that center Black trauma have supported the desensitization of pain in relation to the Black body and experience. I understand the inclination to believe that trauma narratives will help people (especially white people) sympathize with Black plight. Nonetheless, we’ve been putting out and promoting works about Black genocide and trauma for quite some time now. I mean, Roots has been out since 1977….
It’s not working. This focus on Black pain has created a self-affirming cycle in which Black people are seeing the same negative narratives, stories, and stereotypes about themselves. While there is a beautiful place for the expression of our pain and reality — and these works matter greatly — we need healing stories, too. Some of our stories must be about Black health, Black love, Black triumph, Black honor and Black growth. We need our stories to help us imagine and picture better futures, too.
Suggested Solution
Black people deserve love stories and sci-fi and characters with a diversity of interests and passions. We need to promote Black stories that are about Black joy and Black life more holistically. I had a friend tell me something brilliant that I’ve been reflecting on for the past week: he said that Black people have always had to place themselves in the shoes of other people because we have been largely excluded from the narratives of this nation. For instance, many Black girls often consume narratives where Black characters are never the protagonists. It forces us to find sympathy and empathy with characters whose lived experiences are different from our own. He added that white people are never really expected to flex the same empathetic muscle.
We need to create works that are for Black people, Black healing, Black growth and Black futures. I appreciate shows like Insecure because they bring me closer to the people around me. Season 4 of Insecure had me calling my aunt to ask her what she thought Issa should do. And we had real conversations about the meaning of having children, marriage and careers. In the same breath, my friends and I were constantly discussing what good friendship looks like (because you know how Molly do…)
Anyways, all I’m trying to say is we must create, illustrate, and bring to life:
Black Joy
Black Excellence
Intentional Use of Black History and Black Issues
Black Sci-Fi
Black Revolutionary Futures
Healthy Black Love
To me, the films in this list highlight Black characters in a multidimensional way. They show our complexities, our issues, our biases, our conceptions of love and everything in between. This list is made for Black people to really find joy in film. It gives us something to think about, reflect on and discuss. For me, these films pushed boundaries or showcased a side of Blackness that we need to discuss and reflect on as Black people.
Disclaimer: These are just the films that I want to have more conversation about within the Black community. That being said, there are some “classics” that aren’t on here because I’m tired of talking about them or even just tired of making excuses for the plot. Some of the older Black films often have stereotypes that we have to really point out and identify. When watching some of these films, I’ll literally think, “Damn! We shouldn’t think like that anymore. That’s not okay.” Yet, art is a reflection and a social commentary. We need to use these films to understand our biases, our stories and our complexities. We must realize that oppression in all its forms is the enemy, so when someone tries to explain how your free will infringes upon theirs, we should learn to reflect and listen.
On Black Joy
Dope (2015)
Although Shameik Moore is cancelled, Dope really worked to show all sides of Blackness, showcasing the diversity of interests that are alive within Black people.
Girls Trip (2017)
This is just Black woman joy and magic. Seeing Black women having a good time and maintaining friendships is so important. Also, we need models of how to healthily reconcile friendships with our fellow women.
Friday (1995)
This movie — like many movies made in the 90’s — definitely has a lot of cringe-worthy moments. But overall, I feel like it exemplifies the complexity of Black neighborhood dynamics, like the close-knit aspect of living in a Black community.
A Different World (1987)
This is a classic! Must watch — HBCU, Black college life vibes... Just all around Black excellence.
Living Single (1993)
Seeing Black women loving and supporting their Black women friends is priceless and beyond necessary! Furthermore, this show inspired Friends, so pay your respects.
Coming to America (1988)
For me, this comedy highlights the fact that there are differences between Black people. There are Black people who know which part of Africa they are from and there are Black people from Africa who don’t. We have a multitude of cultures that exist within Blackness. The Black experience is not singular and we even have stereotypes for one another. Seeing an African king navigating Queens, NY really put a spotlight on both stereotypes of African Americans/Black Americans and Black people with more immediate roots in Africa.
On Black Power
Black Panther (2018)
This is the first mainstream Black sci-fi movie I’ve seen. While I think the trope of Killmonger v. T’Challa (Malcolm v. MLK) is so played out, there was so much going right in this movie. It shows us that Black people are a part of the future and Black people are a necessary force for making the future a better place. Not to mention, this movie exemplifies the ways that we could combine western tech with holistic/indigenous practices for the better! Plus, soundtrack went crazy.
Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse (2018)
This is my favorite Spider-Man yet. Miles Morales, our Afro-Latino King, showcases the compounded struggles that younger generations have to take on, and he handles his power and growth with grace. This soundtrack also went crazy! And we are strong advocates for Miles’ dad to have a job change.
Set It Off (1996)
This film is iconic! Not only is it a kick ass, action movie, but it also makes you connect with the needs and backstories of each of these Black women. Black women robbing banks as a form of anticapitalist and antiracist protest? We stan!
Shaft (1971)
Blaxploitation is a genre that placed more complex portrayals of Black people and Black issues at the center of film. Although people were concerned about the stereotypical natures of some of the roles (i.e. playing criminals), this was the first time that Black people were both the heroes and main subjects of films. Can ya dig it?
Foxy Brown (1974)
Pam Grier is one of my favorites. She plays a female action hero and becomes an icon for generations. This is a must watch!
The Black Power Mixtape (2011)
This documentary reveals a wealth of archival research that is necessary for any Black revolutionary. This is a documentary to watch for understanding the nature of Black revolution.
13th (2016)
Another documentary that is an important kickoff point for anyone looking to understand the need for revolutionary and radical changes.
On Black Intimacy
Moonlight (2016)
While this does include a lot of trauma in the narrative, the message is powerful and important. It forces the consideration of our LGBTQ+ community, which is an important conversation that needs to be had in the Black community. We need to consider how we can show up for our LGBTQ+ family and how we can unlearn the hatred that we have been taught. Additionally, this was just a beautifully produced film; the images in this movie are so startlingly beautiful, you should definitely see it with your own eyes.
The Photograph (2020)
Ok, ok…while I was expecting a little more chemistry between Issa and LaKeith, I appreciated this film for showcasing the impacts of generational understandings of love. Also, this movie wasn’t traumatic. It was a romantic movie about Black love with little to no trauma. Not to mention, it showcased independent Black women with successful careers in the arts!
Daughters of the Dust (1991)
This is the first feature film directed by an African-American woman distributed theatrically in the United States. Even greater, it tells the story of Gullah women, as they decide to leave behind their traditions in favor of the mainland. This is a tale that connects deeply to our African roots and spiritual traditions. A must-see narrative that brings to light important aspects of Black spirituality.
Black Orpheus (1959)
This is a Black re-telling of the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. This takes place during Brazil’s Carnival where the two fall in love. Not only is this so romantic, but it also showcases Brazilian traditional Carnival practices. This movie showcases art, beauty, love, music and dance in a way that feels authentic and pure.
Blood & Water (2020)
This show is so refreshing because we are seeing Black people as individuals with varying socioeconomic statuses, sexuality and ideologies. This show is an excellent teen drama that follows South African high school students through their problem-filled lives. KB had my heart pumping, and personally, we want more Zama next season!
Insecure (2016)
This is a game changer. Sex in the City-meets-Girlfriends in 21st century LA. This show illustrates Black women in friendship, romantic relationships and career in a way that is relatable and inspiring (even though all them characters insecure…) It is young, fun, funny and fashionable. I am an Issa stan, and Insecure has encouraged me to have so many important conversations with friends and family.
Poetic Justice (1993)
The softer side of the hood comes out in this love story. The poems, the comedy, the cameos and the range of our favorites! You have to see this movie.
Waiting to Exhale (1995)
This movie follows the stories of four Black women as they journey to better love themselves and others. Not only does this film showcase the duality of strength and vulnerability, but it also is responsible for one of the most iconic scenes in Black film!
Oh, and the soundtrack is just as fire as that clip.
On Black Social Commentary
Sorry to Bother You (2018)
This is an anti-capitalist favorite! Slightly confusing with the ending, but a lot of comedy. I love Lakeith!
When I Get Home (2019)
This film is pretty different from the others because it’s a music video for Solange’s album. The visuals are beautiful, pro-Black and necessary.
Get Out (2017)
This is a scary movie classic for all Black people! It is so well done, as a psychological thriller and as a social commentary on the voyeurism of Whiteness.
Us (2017)
Another must-watch scary movie that really makes you question the horrors of our everyday norms. I also love that all of the white people die with the same swiftness that Black characters die in every other scary movie.
Dear White People (2014)
This movie felt very validating to watch as a pro-Black woman who was suffering at a terrible PWI high school. It gave me comfort to know that there were people who were standing up for the same things that I had been gaslit for in my own communities.
Love is the Message, the Message is Death (2016)
This short film really gave me the feels. While it is a collage of various images, it really made me consider the ways that pain and death have become a part of Black movement and culture, and how our culture has adapted to encompass the pain we were told we must endure.
Honorable Mention: Hollywood (2020)
Loved the star-studded acting in this film, but the revisionist history did rub me the wrong way. Like, you can’t just re-write history, but this is sweet. I give it an honorable mention because it tells a story where Black characters come out triumphant and find allies. It puts 21st century-esque characters in the mid-to-late 1940s.
This piece was originally published on Inayah & Kolbi’s blog, 20 & Confused.
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