Black History Month is a widely recognised observance originating from the United States of America but is now celebrated across the world. In order to highlight Black excellence and stories, we have decided to compile a list of films featuring Black artists. The film industry is consistently expanding and giving audiences the opportunities to see stories outside of their singular perspective. We get to see the lived experiences of people outside of our own, so give these films below a watch.
Films Featuring Black Artists
One Night in Miami…
Chronicling a single night when Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown and Cassius Clay were in Miami, the film follows their interactions and conversations. The film explores race, microagressions, and the responsibility they have as successful Black people during the civil rights movement. The writing is impeccable, and the character dynamics are a chef’s kiss. This film is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The Woman King
Following the Agojie warriers from the kingdom of Dahomey, this film explores how they used unconventional weapons and practices to protect their land from colonising forces. It is based on a regiment of all female warriors also called the Dahomey Amazons. The film is set in the 1800s and stars Viola Davis as the fierce general Nansica tasked with training the next generation of female warriors. The Woman King is available to stream from Amazon Prime Video.
Judas and the Black Messiah
The film follows the betrayal of Fred Hampton, head of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, by the petty criminal William O’Neal. He was hired by the FBI to keep track of Hampton and his activities. Set in the late 60s, the film shows how Black Americans were treated brutally by the law enforcement, especially if they started to take some space in the political conversation. Judas and the Black Messiah is available to stream on Netflix.
Nope
Exploring the nuances of a spectacle, the film tells a story of a man and his sister as they try to figure what lurks in the sky above their Californian ranch. Meanwhile, a theme park owner tries to capitalise on the presence of the unknown entity. Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya and Steven Yuen star in this subtle yet powerful film showing what role bad miracles and the collateral damage play in building a spectacular scene. This film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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Black Panther
Prince T’Challa is just dealing with the loss of his father when he is thrust into the kingdom as the head of a nation. Even though he has been preparing forever for the mantle of the Black Panther, there is nothing that can compare to the loss of a family member. Amidst this, an oppositional figure makes his appearance, jaded by the inequalities of the world and the hardships he has faced. Black Panther is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Hidden Figures
Before the moon landing, there were multiple attempts made by the United States to go to space. The intense calculations and math done behind them generally involved human calculators who were mostly Black women. However, their expertise lay beyond what was assigned to them. This story is about three of those women who contributed immensely to the space exploration process and became a linchpin for America’s win over the USSR in the Cold War. This film is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Moonlight
In this coming of age story, we follow Chiron, whom we see as a child, as a teenager and then as he grows into an adult. It is a character heavy story, focussing on identity and sexuality. The story follows the character’s life growing up in an unstable household, dealing with physical and emotional abuse. It is adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s unpublished semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. Moonlight is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Malcolm and Marie
Shot entirely in monochrome, this film follows an intensely long conversation between two characters almost magnetically attracted to each other. They fight and make up instantly. Every word is loaded, and every sentiment is scrutinised. Zendaya and John David Washinton charm audiences with their performances and the dialogue delivery. Malcolm and Marie is available to stream on Netflix.
Get Out
When a man tries to meet his girlfriend’s parents, he doesn’t expect to be greeted so happily. However, every good thing hides something sinister underneath, and when the protagonist finds out, he is stuck trying to escape from an impossible situation. It is a thriller directed by Jordan Peele and explores the concept of interracial relationships and otherisation through an extreme lens. Get Out is available to stream on Netflix.
Devotion
Following the life of the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history, this story is based during the Korean War. It explores the deep and enduring friendship between him and his fighter pilot Tom Hudner. Their work in the war and the sacrifices turn the tides over to their side, making them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. Devotion is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Which film are you most excited to see during the Black History Month? If there are any of your favourites that we have missed, let us know in the comments below.