films
-
'A Lot of My Favorite Hip-Hop Writers Have Been Women': The Root Presents: It's Lit! Hits The Motherlode With Clover Hope
The first rule of working with Beyoncé is: You do not talk about working with Beyoncé. But that didn’t stop us from asking—after all, our sister-in-writing Clover Hope has now worked on not one, but two projects with Queen Bey. Last year, she was one of the writers behind the summer’s gorgeous Black Is King…
-
The Film Adaptation of Nella Larsen's Passing Secures an Over $15 Million Netflix Deal at Sundance
Sundance strikes again! The largest independent film festival in the United States, gone virtual this year instead of celebrating in its typical environs in Park City, Utah, is ground zero for some of the most anticipated films of the year. This year, one long-anticipated film adaptation proved worth the wait: Nella Larsen’s 1929 novella Passing, adapted…
-
Cicely Tyson’s Public Viewing to Take Place at New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church
A force both onscreen and off, Cicely Tyson blazed a trail of her own, lighting the way with elegance, grace, style, class and dignity at every turn. Now, as the icon is laid to rest, Variety reports that the family of the late actress, who died on January 28 at the age of 96, will…
-
'They're Harboring a Murderer': Protest Erupts After Officer Who Killed Tamir Rice Is Welcomed By Cleveland Football Team
Recreational leagues and amateur sports teams not only serve as the perfect opportunity for would-be professional athletes to live out their competitive dreams, but they also provide participants with an alternative for regular exercise and a mechanism to build camaraderie with potential life-long friends or business associates. As someone who’s played recreational sports, I often…
-
'We Are Holding Everyone Else to a Higher Standard': Halle Berry on Shifting Hollywood's Sexism—and Starting Early With Her Son
When it comes to combating sexism, Halle Berry believes it starts at home and should start young. Accordingly, the Oscar-winning actress and first-time director of the upcoming Bruised, debuting this week at the Sundance Film Festival, is already challenging problematic beliefs and rhetoric as they arise with her young son, Maceo Martinez (from her marriage…
-
Sundance 2021: Questlove's Directorial Debut Summer of Soul Is a Televised and Reminiscent Revolution [Updated]
In the hot and sweaty summer of 1969, the well-known music festival known as Woodstock happened in Bethel, New York. Everyone knew its name. One hundred miles away, there was another festival occurring that same summer with a little more seasoning…and a little more soul. And it was free to attend! It was called the…
-
Malcolm & Marie Writer-Director Sam Levinson on How Zendaya and John David Washington Reclaim the Classic Black & White Film Motif
Portraying the titular characters Malcolm & Marie, John David Washington and Zendaya are stripped down to the rawest of emotions. The visual is similarly stripped down, filmed in black and white. As a reminder, here’s the synopsis via Netflix: Writer/Director Sam Levinson teams up with Zendaya and John David Washington for an achingly romantic drama…
-
From Sundance to Cicely Tyson, Kick Boredom to the Curb With This Week's Virtual Events
Well, dear reader, we’ve done it again. We’ve made it to the end of another long-ass month. And if you’re in the mood to celebrate, I’ve got a plethora of virtual events for you to choose from to help aid in your joy. (Speaking of joy, next month is Black History Month and I couldn’t…
-
Yes, I'm Talkin' to You…and Guess What? John Boyega Is Starring in a Getaway Driver Film With Robert De Niro
All Robert De Niro fans remember his iconic role in the 1976 film Taxi Driver—especially that legendary mirror monologue. Well, these days, it looks like he’ll be co-starring in a race car driver film with none other than John Boyega! According to Deadline, Boyega and De Niro will be teaming up for The Formula, directed…