2016 was rough but there were a few good things that came out of it. Beyonce showed out at the CMA's. The National Museum on African American History and Culture opened up. And Black filmmakers helped change the narrative of black people and are already putting in work for 2017. In order to be a black filmmaker in a white washed industry, it takes a lot of guts and courage. You have to be willing to accept the no's until you can get to a yes. And when you fail to get a yes, you #stopaskingpermission and make it happen for yourself. That's what a few filmmakers have done and we have to celebrate them this week.
1. Ava DuVernay: There is absolutely no way that you have missed an episode of "Queen Sugar". If you have, I'm judging you. Matter of fact, we all are judging you. Her television series on the Own Network further proves that she can switch over from film to television. Even though "Queen Sugar" captured our hearts every week, it was her documentary "13th" that made us think. Her ability to tell our stories is breathtaking and inspiring. I know we have heard older people say this time and time again, but when I look at Ava I can't help but think that she is the one we've been waiting for.
2. Kasi Lemmons: "Eve's Bayou". If you were having movie night that included all of the black classics this is one. You can fight me on it. I'm old enough to celebrate the beauty of this film and young enough to remember it being a part of my rotation as a coming of age teen. Next to the "Color Purple" and the "Five Heartbeats" came "Eve's Bayou".Since then Lemmons has directed several films including "Black Nativity". Her next project will center around an important part of black history. Lemmons will direct a limited series on Madame C.J. Walker starring Octavia Spencer. The series script is written by Nicole Asher and also produced by Spencer. There isn't a network or estimated debut for the series but whenever it debuts we will be glued to the screen.
3. Tahir Jetter: The black millennial debuted his first feature film last year."'How To Tell You're A Douchebag" is a refreshing romantic black comedy. The film follows the story of a Brooklyn blogger Ray Livingston. Livingston has a blog entitled "Occasionally Dating Black Women, and Not Everyone is Impressed". Rochelle Marseille is one of those who is less than impressed with the infamous blogger. Livingston meets his match with Marseille. I'm sure you can identify with at least one of the characters. He manages to capture our dating truths on screen. Check out his trailer here. His film is also available on iTunes.
4. Barry Jenkins: It is difficult to live in your truth. It's even more difficult to direct your truth and watch it play out in front of other people. "Moonlight" is Barry Jenkins truth. Because the film is so raw and honest, it's one that has left grown people in tears after watching it. The film which follows a boy named Chiron and his attempt to decided who he wants to be. A decision that's hard to make when you're struggling with your own sexuality and dark skin.This is the second film Jenkins has written and directed but it won't be his last. He is slated to make a tv adaptation for Colson Whitehead’s “The Underground Railroad".
This by no means is a comprehensive list of all of the amazing black filmmakers there are who prove to us that there is something to celebrate. But these here are enough to remind us that we are our ancestors wildest dreams. Since we are, we have to #stopaskingpermission to walk in that truth. I'm sure that each of these directors experienced denial, but they never let denial destruct their dreams. NFL Legend Ray Lewis once said in an interview with Deion Sanders, "It's rough beating men who see something. It's rough." #stopaskingforpermission to see your dreams and vision for your life to come about. We are unstoppable so let's act like it.
