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To celebrate Black History Month, delve into our film collections to find our very favourite black-led films of the past 10 years
This list of films deal with important issues throughout history and that still continue today in our society. Do you agree with our film choices? Do you have any other black-led films to recommend?
Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Director: Shaka King - Warner Bros. Pictures
Centred around the betrayal of Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hamption, in this bio-pic starring Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Standfield, the film explores the themes of racism, police brutality and self-preservation as FBI informant Bill O’Neal infiltrates the Black Panther Party to avoid going to jail. The film is a reflection on our society today, with the continued resistance to stamp out systematic racism.
Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele - Universal Pictures
Probably one of the biggest British actors to come out of the last 10 years, Daniel Kaluuya stars again on our list in another tale of betrayal. Visiting his white girlfriends family for the first time, Chris (Kaluuya) uncovers a shocking plot happening in the family home, luring black people for old, sick or injured white people to take over their bodies. Heavily themed with the historical context of slavery and racial profiling, director Jordan Peele’s debut will shock and horrify at the same time.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Director: Barry Jenkins - Stage 6 Films
In another incredible film by director of Moonlight, Barry Jenkins, If Beale Street Could Talk follows the romantic story of Tish and Fonny during the 1970s as they begin their lives as a couple. After a racially motivated altercation in a grocery store, Fonny is almost arrested by white police officer Officer Bell. Later Fonny is falsly arrested and accused of raping a white woman and is testified against by Bell, exposing the inequalities in the criminal justice system.
Fences (2016)
Director: Denzel Washington - Paramount Pictures
Taking place in 1950s Pittsburgh, cinematic powerhouse Denzel Washington and Viola Davis play married couple Troy and Rose living through the era of segregation. Following the family dramas of Troy’s brother’s mental impairment and Troy’s infidelity, Fences deals with the general oppression of the black community’s ambitions and dreams.
His House (2020)
Director: Remi Weekes - Netflix
Fleeing conflict in South Sudan with their daughter, Bol and Rial survive the treacherous crossing to the UK with their daughter and others perishing in the channel. After being granted probational asylum, they a moved into a dilapidated house. If dealing with racism and xenophobia weren’t enough, the couple are haunted by apparitions of their daughter and what Rial calls “the night witch”. The film not only deals with the problems faced when seeking asylum, but the emotional distress and trauma from the entire experience.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Director: Theodore Melfi - 20th Century Studios
Hidden Figures shines a light on three African-American female mathematicians that all made important contributions to NASA’s programme during the space race. The characters deal with racial and sexist segregation as they become more involved in the space launch’s details, eventually helping towards the successful mission. With an incredible cast, featuring Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, the film gives a voice to the oppressed group that helped make history.
Queen & Slim (2019)
Director: Melina Matsoukas - Universal Pictures
After shooting a white cop dead during a racially motivated stop and search after their Tinder date, Queen and Slim are forced to go on the run. Being hunted by the police, Queen and Slim drive across states in a hope to escape to Cuba. As the killed officer had previously killed an unarmed black person, others are supportive of the couples actions and aim to help out. Their situation is completely incidental on the cops original actions, turning the pair into a reluctant Bonnie and Clyde.
