“Sorry to Bother You” may be Riley’s first film, but he comes to filmmaking after decades of success as a rapper, music producer, and activist/organizer. I mention this because the feeling that Van Peebles’ film generated is the same feeling I had seeing “Sorry to Bother You,” like I was seeing something boldly new, that I was witnessing a fresh, original talent. Riley’s film feels like a direct descendent of Melvin Van Peebles’ 1971 film “Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song” That film’s audacity not just in terms of its story and perspective but also in terms of its artistic style still jolts a contemporary audience. Now he’s added film director to his credits with “Sorry to Bother You.” Riley, in his writing and directing debut, delivers a film that he describes as “an absurdist dark comedy with magical realism and sci-fi inspired by the world of telemarketing.” It has been a troubled and inspiring century of film, I hope you will seek some of these films out.Īnnapurna LaKeith Stanfield stars as Cassius Green in Boots Riley's feature film writing/directing debut "Sorry to Bother You" (2018).īoots Riley has had a long successful career as a rapper and music producer. I could have also included actress Regina King's stunning directorial debut with "One Night in Miami" and Nia De Costa's reimagining of "Candyman." There is so much hope and potential on the horizon that it is exciting. Garrett Bradley creates a uniquely cinematic documentary with “Time.” Bradley became the first Black American woman to receive the Best Director award at the 2020 Sundance Film festival. It’s also a story, like many of Wilson’s, that acknowledges the past and reminds us that while we need to move forward we need to remember where we have come from.Īs a contrast, I wanted to also highlight a documentary from a young filmmaker that gives us a glimpse into the future with the potential of fresh voices. The film opens up the play beautifully but also recognizes when to just let Wilson’s word have centerstage. Wolfe is a veteran Broadway director who also has some films under his belt. “Ma Rainey” represents a film adaptation of August Wilson’s play and Denzel Washington’s commitment to bringing the playwright’s 10 play cycle to the screen with a mix of young filmmakers and Broadway directors. I wanted to end with a pair of recent and very different films. This list is not comprehensive or complete by any means but I feel that each of these films has an important reason for being included. Twenty-eight days was not nearly enough time to mention all the great films and filmmakers who have contributed to Black cinema.
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Day 28: "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "Time" (2020)ĭirectors: George C.