In the video below, filmmaker M. Asli Dukan encapsulates (and then some) arguments/theories/critiques/conclusions made numerous times on this blog over the years, by different writers, with regards to, in general, the participation of black storytellers (specifically filmmakers) within what have been labeled speculative fiction genres.
Titled "What is the White Fantastic Imagination?", it appears to be the first in a new series of video blogs that Asli will be publishing to her YouTube channel (which you can subscribe to here), while continuing to raise funds to complete her long-in-production feature-length documentary, "Invisible Universe: A History Of Blackness In Speculative Fiction," which explores the relationship between African Diasporic images and popular fantasy, horror, science fiction literature and film, as well as the alternative perspectives produced by content creators of color.
The documentary, which we’ve featured on this blog a number of times, over the last 5+ years, features interviews with major writers, scholars, artists and filmmakers and explores comics, television, film and literature by deconstructing stereotyped images of black people in the genres, revealing how black creators have been consciously creating their own universe.
The project has been in development since 2003, and continues to be in need of funding to be completed (such is the struggle of indie filmmaking). It’s a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization.
It’s most certainly a documentary that I very much look forward to eventually watching, when it’s finally done. To assist in seeing that happen, you’re encouraged to visit the following link to learn more about the film and make a contribution: http://bit.ly/1Gtwdob.
First watch the first installment of her video blog series – "What is the White Fantastic Imagination?" – below:
