African-Americans
in film have had a long and tumultuous journey over the last several decades.
We have slowly but surely watched the addition of more and more Black
characters into mainstream film. We also have seen more Black directors,
screenwriters and producers gain prominence and accolades. But where there has
been the most lack in my opinion is the genuine storytelling of the African-American
or Black experience. Black actors have long been subjected to side kick roles,
on screen to merely support White actors. The other harsh reality is that
anytime a movie has had a more than 80% Black cast it is simply passed off on
the public as another “Black” film. Movie goers that are non-Black don’t feel
as compelled to entertain these stories as much as they are seen as a niche
category without depth or variety.
I
would like to see Black screenwriter and filmmakers sit long and hard to
strategize storylines that have a deep human element and just happen to have a
Black cast. The Best Man is a good
example of this type of film. The storyline follows a group of friends
post-college through marriage, betrayal and forgiveness. This is not a Black
story by rather a universal story. While it is fine to create so-called “relatable
Black” films, Black directors must expand their horizon to assess that not all
Black people come from the south, are from lower socio-economic backgrounds,
are sexually abused and raised with violence.
I
want to see storylines about middle-class and upper-class Black families, those
that have pursued education, travel and have something to pass down to their
children. I want to see myself on film for once. A young Black girl from a
small conservative town who is pursuing her dream of entrepreneurship. Who
isn’t a single mom struggling (while this story is important), who has options
in life and doesn’t play by society’s cliché rules for Black women. This story
– although simple and seemingly unexciting to some, is something you don’t see
on screen. Why must all Black women in film be beaten, betrayed or bitter and
worn from their past? Why must every Black male be either slick-talking, a
dead-beat, a beater, a cheat or a career criminal? These are the questions that
Black filmmakers must answer. While they may be telling some of our stories, they
are not telling every Black person’s story.
I
want to see actors and actresses advocate for such variety. I see them complain
about the lack of depth and representation of roles but then jump at the chance
to play an obnoxiously stereotyped role in a Tyler Perry film. I can appreciate
they need to work like any other person, but actresses like Angela Bassett who
refused to lower herself and play the role Halle Berry played in Monster’s Ball has still found success
and consistent work. As a creative professional and freelancer, I can relate to
desperate times for work, however I have always maintained my integrity as a
designer, never lending my skillset and talent to organizations, companies and
individuals that conflicted with what I stand for.
Black
production companies need to be established as well as distribution and
marketing. We need to find our own way. Black audiences need to support the
work that speaks to us. Putting our money where our mouth is will force the
box-office to see the power of the Black dollar and that films with Black
actors are worth being made and invested in.
Heavy
hitters such as Oprah Winfrey and Bob Johnson would be smart to back such
investments. More partnerships need to be made forging the collaborations of
actors, directors, producers, sponsors, endorsers, and businesses.
While
we need to tell all of our stories, we also need to go outside of ourselves and
tap into the fantasy-type genres that bring in universal attention. Science
fiction being one of my favorite genres is rarely scene led by Black actors.
These are the films where we are lucky to be a side-kick and usually don’t make
it to the end of the film. Will Smith is one of the very few (maybe one of two)
that has carried large, Sci-fi blockbuster hits such as the Men in Black trilogy, Independence Day and most recently,
After Earth. He is not only actor
that can carry a movie in this category. But often times Hollywood will select
a handful of Black actors to propel forward, leaving the majority behind to pick
over meager roles.
We
also have to embrace the telling of our past history and legacy in this country
without shame or controversy. The Jewish community takes advantage of every
opportunity to tell the story of the holocaust. They make sure that no one forgets
their story or trial and triumph. Somewhere along the way, Black people have
been convinced that in order to progress, we need to sweep our history under
the rug. Our history needs to be shared to remind this nation how far we have
truly come. In some ways art does imitate life; so what does it mean when we
won’t take the authority of our own history, struggle and victory? I would love
to see films focusing on the intricate details of the transatlantic slave trade
as well as the injustice we suffered some 100 years afterwards. Film is a
unique medium in which we have the ability to speak to the world. We can eradicate
certain misconceptions and educate others about the fullness and complexity of
the African-American experience. We also hold the power to show why we are
worth investing in and that we play a vital role in area of filmmaking.
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