It would be an oversimplification to call this a Black Lives Matter film, although it most certainly fits that description. But it is also a far deeper examination of not only African-American identity, but of the importance of finding oneself in order to know one’s place in the world and how that fulfills what one is meant to do with their life.
Let It Fall – Anatomy of a Riot
Of course, this is not just a history lesson of a turbulent time. The film never mentions more recent issues that have led to Black Lives Matter, but one cannot watch this film and not see today’s world.
Fences – If I Do Not Have Love
“Some people build fences to keep people out; other people build fences to keep people in.” Fences is a film version of an August Wilson stage play which won both a Pulitzer and a Tony. (The screenplay was adapted by Wilson before his death.) Set in an African-American working class neighborhood in the 1950s it… [Read More]
3.2 Fighting for the BIRTH OF A NATION
This week, Chris Utley and ScreenFish newbie Peter Adourian join Steve to tackle Nate Parker’s controversial BIRTH OF A NATION. In this episode, they tackle issues of race and gender politics, owning the truth and even whether we can separate art from the artists. Want to continue to conversation at home? Click the link… [Read More]
Story Still Matters: Race, Film, & the Oscar Nominees
I’m a reluctant writer. It’s a gift. It’s a curse. It’s a gift because God has given me the voice to express myself. It’s a curse because of the toll it takes and the burden I have to carry. Your fearless leader Jacob has been nudging me to write film commentary like we used to… [Read More]
