BLACK HISTORY MONTH Film and TV List
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH Film and TV list As part of Black History Month, for this week we have put together a list of films and TV shows that focus on the narratives of black people in the present and through history. Film and TV are a powerful tool to provoke empathy and understanding, as well as empower and unite people. This list covers a range of topics and genres, so there is hopefully something for everyone. Your child can watch anything on this list independently, or with you and the rest of the family. *** HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Three brilliant African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) -- serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit, a stunning achievement that contributed to the Space Race and galvanized the world. THE HATE U GIVE (12) Directed by George Tillman, Jr., The Hate U Give is an important film, that raises questions about what we as a society will accept — from our community members, from our leaders, from the politicians who are supposed to represent us, from the police who are supposed to protect us. The movie, based on the novel by Angie Thomas, considers a tragedy that feels simultaneously ripped from the headlines and quite commonplace: the killing of an unarmed black teenager by a white police officer. The film is relatable, empathetic, and extremely moving, with a great lead performance by Amandla Stenberg as teenage Starr who, after witnessing the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer, must find her voice and figure out how to stand up for what’s right. GET OUT (15) Chris and his girlfriend Rose are all set to visit her parents as a couple for the first time, even if he has reservations that he, as a Black man, will be judged by her family. Rose admits to her parents’ clumsiness, but refutes any suggestions of racism. Whilst his fears appear to be initially allayed, there is a mysterious edge to the family estate – as well as strange behaviour from its inhabitants – which soon turns sinister. Get Out is all-at-once consistently comedic, a razor-sharp satire about racial identity, and a twisty, suspenseful horror full of menace and intrigue. BLACKKKLANSMAN (15) Based on an outrageous true story, Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman veers wildly between hilarious and harrowing, thrilling and appalling, smart and stylish. Most importantly, the two-time Oscar nominee’s latest “joint” is undeniably relevant, even though most of the events it chronicles happened 40 years ago when Ron Stallwart, the first Black officer in the Colorado Springs police force, infiltrated the local KKK chapter and prevented a violent attack on a predominantly Black student protest rally. The film is a pointed commentary on the USA’s contemporary issues with racial injustice and inequality. It is also a stellar cinematic experience, and was considered one of the best movies of 2018. I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (12A) James Baldwin was an American novelist, essayist and critic, regarded as one of the most important voices of the Civil Rights movement. In this searing documentary, he recounts his experiences in 20th century America through the voice of Samuel L. Jackson, particularly focusing on his relationships with Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and Medgar Evers. His account of the political movement is explored, as well as his more personal reminiscences of American history. Fascinating archive footage is used throughout – to unsettling effect – capturing images from major historical events, often juxtaposed with disturbing scenes of contemporary American society. As well as this, the film dissects old film clips demonstrating the representation of African Americans in cinema, in provocative, unsettling ways. A challenging, but hugely rewarding documentary. HARRIET (12) Director (and co-writer) Kasi Lemmons tells the story of abolitionist Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo) who fled from a plantation in the 19th Century, and went on to free dozens more slaves across a series of daring rescue missions. A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) Amma Asante’s feature tells the story of Seretse Khama (played by David Oyelowo), the heir to Bechuanaland in Africa (later known as Botswana) and the events that follow when he falls in love with a British white woman, Ruth Williams Khama (portrayed by Rosamund Pike), in the mid-20th Century. RAFIKI Kena and Ziki, two college students awaiting their exam results, don’t want to fall into the traditions assigned to women in their conservative community, and cannot wait to explore the world and pursue their chosen careers. Although both their fathers are competing against one another in Nairobi’s local elections the two are drawn to each other and quickly fall in love. However, with homosexuality being illegal in Kenya and the two young women fearing rejection from the families, they face the struggle of choosing between safety and their relationship. Set against a wonderful backdrop of colourful settings and costumes, with a complex and empathetic script, this is a vital story that deals with a wide variety of themes such as growing up, community and LGBTQ+ representation. Where to watch: https://player.bfi.org.uk/rentals/film/watch-rafiki- 2018-online SELMA (12) David Oyelowo puts in an astonishing performance as Martin Luther King in Ava DuVernay’s biopic, which zones in on a very specific point in MLK’s life: the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights march in 1965. NOUGHTS AND CROSSES Noughts + Crosses is a British drama television series based on the first book in the Noughts & Crosses novel series by Malorie Blackman. The series is set in an alternate history where black "Cross" people rule over white "Noughts". The story centres around Sephy (cross) and Callum (noughts) who fall in love despite the odds. Can they breach the divide between the black elite and white underclass? Where to watch: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p082w992/noughts-crosses BELLE Belle is a 2013 British period drama film directed by Amma Asante, written by Misan Sagay. The film is inspired by the 1779 painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle. Very little is known about the life of Dido Belle, who was born in the West Indies and was the illegitimate mixed- race daughter of Mansfield's nephew, Sir John Lindsay. The fictional film centres on Dido's relationship with an aspiring lawyer; it is set at a time of legal significance, as a court case is heard on what became known as the Zong massacre, when slaves were thrown overboard from a slave ship and the owner filed with his insurance company for the losses. Lord Mansfield rules on this case in England's Court of King's Bench in 1786, in a decision seen to contribute to the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act of 1807. Age rating: 12 Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/search?q=belle GIRLHOOD (BANDE DE FILLES) A coming of age film that focuses on the life of Marieme (Karidja Touré), a girl who lives in a rough neighbourhood on the outskirts of Paris. Marieme is a girl with few real prospects and struggling to belong, she joins a gang, reinvents herself and gains a sense of self confidence in the process. However, she soon finds that this new life does not necessarily make her any happier. The film discusses and challenges conceptions of race, gender and class; the director’s goal was to capture the stories of black teenagers, characters she claims are generally underdeveloped in French films. Age rating: 15 Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/girlhood-2014 BLACK PANTHER Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. In Black Panther, T'Challa is crowned king of Wakanda following his father's death, but he is challenged by Killmonger (Jordan) who plans to abandon the country's isolationist policies and begin a global revolution. Age rating: 12A Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/search?q=black%20panther DEAR WHITE PEOPLE Dear White People is an American comedy-drama television series on Netflix that follows several black college students at an Ivy League institution, touching on issues surrounding modern American race relations. Age rating: 15 Where to watch: https://www.netflix.com/title/80095698 ATTACK THE BLOCK Attack the Block is a 2011 British science fiction comedy horror film in which aggressive aliens unwisely pick a tough London housing estate as the 'beachhead' for their invasion. But the locals are no pushovers... Age rating: 15 Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/attack- the-block WEDDING PARTY The Wedding Party is a 2016 Nigerian romantic comedy drama film directed by Kemi Adetiba. The film takes place during the day and evening of the wedding between Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi), an art gallery owner, and the IT entrepreneur Dozie Onwuka (Banky Wellington) who comes from a very wealthy family. His mother, Lady Obianuju Onwuka, considers her son to be marrying beneath himself. As their big day arrives, a couple's lavish wedding plans turn into a nightmare that includes exes, fighting parents and uninvited guests. The film became the highest grossing Nigerian film; a record which was broken in 2017 by its sequel The Wedding Party 2. Where to watch: https://www.netflix.com/watch/80168301 .