AS EDITOR OF THIS WONDERFUL PLATFORM, I DO GET TIRED AND SOMETIMES HAND OVER DUTIES TO FAITHFUL FRIENDS AND CONTRIBUTORS OF THE BRITISH BLACKLIST.
Here are some of my friends’ thoughts on some of the best Black films this decade has given us. Sidenote, ‘Black Film‘ is whatever they deemed it to be. Sidenote, of course, they were given rules, but friends being friends, they do what they like hence why some are detailed, others are brief. I kinda like the variety… sigh. Happy reading, agreeing, side-eyeing, etc.
Though it’s late (side-eye), I’m proud to share Victoria Thomas, Managing Director @ Polkadot Factory and Co-Course Director MA International Film Business @ London Film School’s top 10 films …
Pariah (2011)
It was Dee Rees’ first film. Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans as sparring partners aka lesbian daughter and homophobic mother was a joy to watch. Not because her pain was fun but because their acting skills were so good, it made the film troubling, tender and moving all at once.
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Directed by Ryan Coogler, I saw it in Cannes. There was a standing ovation. It left me angry. Because it as so visceral. My friend who was with me is African American. She shrugged and said that level of police brutality was common and of course it was a true story which she had heard over and over.
Rafiki (2019)
It elevated a conversation about LGBTQ rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the ban from the Kenyan government was the best marketing campaign an indie film could have never afforded.
Super Modo (2019)
Directed by Lukarion Wainaina. I saw it at Berlinale. It was refreshing to see a film from sub-Saharan Africa that was not about poverty, war or aids. Just a kid obsessed with superhero comics, incredibly well executed.
Straight Outta Compton (2015)
You cannot deny the impact of hip hop or NWA and the biggest criticism of the film was what I liked most. The unapologetic and uncensored portrayal of the crime, violence, and misogyny of the era.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
Directed by Raoul Peck, it was an amazing archival piece that could also have gone wrong just as easily. But it worked.
Queen Of Katwe (2016)
Directed by Mira Nair. I was so relieved that the story finally got told because Phiona Mutesi’s journey is amazing. But sadly it became a case study of how African stories struggle to reach audiences if they are not tragic enough.
I Am Not a Witch (2017)
Directed by Rungano Nyoni. I was wary of yet another African child witch movie until I saw it. The writing and the acting were on point and the satire delicately handled.
Viva Riva (2011)
Directed by Djo Munga, this was the first feature film from DRC. It was a crime thriller made by a first time feature director from the DRC. It was not perfect but it was an enjoyable watch and a reassurance that all films from the continent were not going to be marked by the low technical quality that Nollywood was then notorious for.
B For Boy (2013)
Directed by Chika Anadu, hands down the best film to come out of Nigeria to date in terms of script and technical execution.
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