The passion for filmmaking is not a path paved with gold for Black directors. To battle the obstacles preventing them from glory, Black directors have created their own genres of film to portray their people within the infinite art of television. The cultural barriers African-American directors have had to navigate has impacted the film industry immensely, which has motivated the creation of more diverse stories for audiences to experience. While covering historical moments of Black struggle, many African-American directors also strive to exemplify Black power within their films, showcasing much appreciation, especially during this month of Black joy.
Spike Lee has done wonders for Black cinema. Alongside creating legendary films, Lee has represented African-American legacy in his movies, paving the way for many Black directors to follow. Lee’s filmmaking career is almost exclusively dedicated towards civil rights and the telling of unheard Black stories. His Oscar-nominated movie, “Do The Right Thing,” is a revolutionary film about a day in the life of a Black neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Covering police brutality, racial injustice and friendship, the movie elevated Spike Lee into Hollywood, leading him to receive his first-ever Oscar nomination. He became a trailblazer for many Black directors after his iconic film about Black community blazed the markets.
Most known for his wondrous adaptation of the Marvel Comics’ “Black Panther,” Ryan Coogler’s movies have connected with many Black people around the world. His iconic, record-breaking film, “Sinners,” portraying the African-American footprint, Black struggle and otherworldly music, has earned him numerous Oscar nominations, including Best-Picture and Best-Director. Coogler’s continuation of the Black legacy through film is not only something to admire, but something to greatly consider watching on the big screen.
Renowned as the actress daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, Zoë Kravitz debuted her directing career with the psychological thriller, “Blink Twice.” The movie stems from Kravitz’s experience as a woman in the film industry and the toxic power dynamics between women and men. As well as directing the movie, Kravitz co-wrote and produced the film to correctly exemplify her vision. The feminism and iconic revenge tale of this film allowed for an amazing directing debut for Zoë Kravitz. Her passion for the MeToo movement has excited many for the next films she will create.
There’s not much else to say about Ava DuVernay other than the fact that her work is absolutely extraordinary. Her documentary “13th” and Martin Luther King Jr. biopic “Selma” are films that are not only legendary but practically oozing with Black power. “13th” is an extremely significant movie that portrays police brutality, inequality and racial injustice in the prison system. “Selma” mostly covers MLK Jr’s fight for justice and the 54 mile peace walk he led across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to fight for the voting rights of African-Americans. DuVernay’s career spans over 20 years, allowing her to accentuate her genius throughout her time in Hollywood. More than anything, Ava DuVernay’s directing skills allow audiences to experience the Black struggle, Black community, and Black power in multiple jaw-dropping films.
During this month dedicated to both difficult and inspiring Black history, we must celebrate the Black directors and filmmakers who have bravely taken risks for Black representation in Hollywood. While fighting against oppression and prejudice, Black filmmakers have created a beautiful space in cinema to represent Black people the correct way: as humans. As we admire those who fight for our rights in the spotlight, we must also recognize those who fight for our rights behind the scenes. While engaging in Black acknowledgment this month, don’t forget that February is not the only time of the year to appreciate Black icons.
