black filmmakers
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Jordan Peele Explains Why He Chose Nia DaCosta to Direct Candyman
Contrary to the Internet’s (…always correct…) attribution, Jordan Peele is not the director of the film Candyman, he is simply a producer and co-writer of the upcoming revival of the ‘90s horror flick. Nia DaCosta, who is rising up the ranks as a filmmaker thanks to her work on Netflix’s Top Boy and the award-winning…
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A Self-Isolation Joint: In the Age of Corona, Richie Loco Drew Inspiration From Spike Lee
Spike Lee has undoubtedly inspired many up-and-coming black filmmakers; specifically, his role in the independent film circuit and his penchant for addressing race relations in a no-nonsense way has earned him critical acclaim and respect. Much like celebrities who have such a strong personality that they are perfect candidates for comedian impersonations, Lee’s work is…
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Keep Austin Weird, Keep Artists Paid: How the Cancellation of SXSW Affects Black Creators
I’ve been to SXSW as a patron. I’ve been to SXSW as a member of the press. I’ve always dreamed of going to SXSW with a project. In 2019, I personally witnessed the significance of this (and every) festival’s potential impact on a black creator when I reviewed Numa Perrier’s Jezebel, which has since been…
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John Boyega Is Partnering With Netflix to Create Feature Films Focusing on Africa's Rich History of Storytelling
With the latest Star Wars installment now in his rearview, actor John Boyega is shifting his priorities to bring more diverse content to American audiences. Variety reports that the 27-year-old’s U.K.-based production company, UpperRoom Productions, is joining forces with streaming media giant Netflix to develop film projects that will explore a wealth of stories about…
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Let's Step Into the Girls Room and Unpack What Happened Between Nina Lee, Lena Waithe and Dove
If you identify as a woman and have ever entered a public ladies’ room, chances are, at some point you have bonded with a stranger and made a fast friend. Perhaps the bond was due to an overly enthusiastic outfit compliment—or a borrowed tampon. This fast friend may be temporary and you may never see…
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Hey, Wig! The Photograph Trailer Debuts—and We Can’t Take Our Eyes off of Issa Rae’s Hair
Ahh, black love…that deep, dark and magical force the luckiest among us experience, but is too rarely shown on film. No wonder that we’re eagerly anticipating The Photograph, the romantic drama starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, dropping into our hearts on—you guessed it—Valentine’s Day, 2020. Will it take the place of the Love Jones…
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Jordan Peele Inks 5-Year Moviemaking Deal With Universal Pictures
Moviemaker Jordan Peele is obviously a hitmaker, with his blockbuster debut, Get Out, and his follow-up hit, Us. But with a new five-year production deal he’s inked with Universal Pictures, Peele is set to be a king (or queen) maker, too. The major studio announced Tuesday that it had entered into a five-year exclusive production…
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The Root’s Guide to the 10 Blackest Experiences of the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival
Are you runnin’ through The Six with your cinematic woes? Well, you’re in luck, because it’s time for the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)! Much like myself—who will be reviewing films from the fest this year for The Root—a bunch of Americans will be descending upon America’s church hat, also known as Canada. The…
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23 Years and Counting: 2019 Urbanworld Film Festival to Screen Harriet, Just Mercy and More
The magic number is 23 for one of the biggest festivals highlighting creators of color! That’s right, the 23rd Annual Urbanworld Film Festival is back and has announced its 78 official selections and seven spotlight selections, along with its founding partner, HBO. (Editor’s Note: The Root is a media sponsor of Urbanworld.) “Each year we…
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Robert Townsend Talks Cooley High, Carmen: A Hip Hopera and Paying It Forward to Young Filmmakers
Hollywood Shuffle, The Meteor Man, The Five Heartbeats, B*A*P*S, The Parent ‘Hood, Jackie’s Back!, Holiday Heart and beyond—you know a Robert Townsend project when you see it. A tenacious and prolific writer, director, actor and producer, Townsend’s work is cemented in film and television history. “I [recently hosted] an event at The Academy and we…