In the midst of all the chaos surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, let’s not forget that March is still Women’s History Month. Let’s celebrate by honoring trailblazing women who have carved a new path in cinema. Here are six films directed by Black women that you can stream right now!

1. Homecoming (Netflix)

From its tribute to HBCUs to the high octane choreography, Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance is considered one for the record books. But the road to get there was a long and arduous task for the superstar. In the concert film Homecoming, which she directed, the superstar reveals the mental and physical toll she experienced on the road to Beychella.

2. Little Woods (Hulu)

Before she went on to direct this summer’s Candyman, screenwriter and director Nia DaCosta first garnered attention with this acclaimed neo-western flick starring Tessa Thompson. In Little Woods, Thompson portrays Ollie, a former drug runner who takes drastic measures to pay off her mortgage with her sister after their mother died.

3. Atlantics (Netlfix)

Atlantics gave Mati Diop the distinction of being he became the first Black woman to have a film in contention for the Cannes Film Festival’s highest prize, the Palme d’Or. The film, which blends romance with the supernatural, revolves around Ada, a 17-year-old girl who falls in love with a construction worker in Dakar.

4. Jinn (Amazon VoD)

Written and directed by Nijla Mu’min, Jinn tells the tale of Simone (Zoe Renee), a free-spirited teen whose world is upended when her meteorologist mother (Simone Missick) decides to convert to Islam. Released in 2018, the film has received universal acclaim, garnering a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. 13th (Netflix)

Named after the 13th Amendment in the United States Constitution, this gripping documentary by Ava DuVernay examines the various ways slavery has continued on after the American Civil War. In 13th, DuVernay examines the prison industrial complex, lynchings and disenfranchisement of Black people with both passion and precision.

6. All Styles (Amazon VoD) 

Released in 2018, this film was directed by Angela Tucker and revolves around a young hip hop dancer who assembles a  ragtag crew to face off against the former members who ostracized him when he went away to college. The film’s cast includes Du-Shaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall and Tetona Jackson from BET’s Boomerang. 

 

READ MORE: 

‘Homecoming’: Beyoncé Crafts A Cinematic Love Letter To Black People And HBCUs For Netflix 

5 Netflix Reality Shows To Soothe Coronavirus Anxiety

4 Black Web Series To Watch While Social Distancing

 

Photo: NEON