What complements the academic side of film that was moulded by white consciousness is US film characterisation of non-whites. It is important to appreciate the world that the black film director operates within, especially if their idea is to tell a story from their angle. When we understand this world, we get to appreciate more and more the themes and styles of contemporary black filmmakers. Just like how the standards were set by people who did not live or look like them, contemporary black filmmakers had to conceptualise ‘black’ film theory and criticism. Black filmmakers had to create a space and find their social and political voice, and when a unique category of black film critics began to emerge, their job was even distinct from white critics.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 08, 2019 16:41 UTC