Since there’s “no “Black joy on screen” according to some… “Time” dir. by Garett Bradley “Selah and the Spades” dir. by Tayarisha Poe “The Princess & the Frog” dir. by Jon Musker & Roger Clements “They Cloned Tyrone” dir. by Jules Taylor “One Night in Miami” dir. by Regina King “The Book of Clarence” dir. by Jeymes Samuel “Bad Hair” dir. by Justin Simien “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” dir. by George C. Wolfe “Cooley High” dir. by Michael Schultz “Old Guard” dir. by Gina Prince Blythewood “Entergalactic” dir. by Fletcher Moules “Dope” dir. by Rick Famuyiwa “Sorry to Bother You” dir. by Boots Riley “All Day and a Night” dir. by Joe Robert Cole “Sylvie’s Love” dir. by Eugene Ashe “Black Box” dir. by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. “His House” dir. by Remi Weekes “Real Love” dir. by Angel Kristi Williams “Jingle Jangle” dir. by Dave E. Talbert “The Photograph” dir. by Stella Meghie “40 Year Old Verison” dir. by Radha Blank “The 24” dir. by Kevin Wilmont “Da 5 Bloods” dir. by Spike Lee “Imani” dir. by Mike Ho “You’re Not Gonna Believe This” dir. by Shon Ayanna “Outlaw Johnny Black” dir. by Michael Jae White “The Lawnmower Man” dir. by Murda Pain “Venus Effect” dir. by Andrew Burn “Black Santa” dir. by Conrad Craven “The Meteor Man” dir. by Robert Townsend “Soul” dir. by Kemp Powers “Residue” dir. by Merawi Gerima “The Blackening” dir. by Tim Story “The Banker” dir. by George Nolfi “Charm City Kings” dir. by Angel Manuel Soto and many more that I don’t have space for. Go watch more Black movies.
Insecure is an excellent example of a television series centered on the Black experience. While it addresses topics such as racism, microaggressions, and cultural appropriation, Issa Rae does a remarkable job of ensuring the show feels authentically Black without being entirely rooted in Black trauma.
I was so mad people let The Book of Clarence flop! Went and saw it with a friend who’s heavily religious and it led us to a great conversation afterward. We let a movie with A BLACK JESUS, fail! 😢
Because jesus/yeshua wasn't black, he was a semetic person of Palestine. We need to stop doing the work of colonizers. They are being deleted in real life and in literature. Guess who has olive colored skin and hair like sheep's wool. It's the people who ALWAYS lived in that region.. Palestinians. Side note Palestinian is not a religion, there are Palestinian Jewish people, Christians, muslims, atheist. When a people are colonized, religion is forced onto them, so semetic people can be converted to Islam in the 1400's. Read some history, don't be part of the problem which our ancestors suffered.
That was the best movie of 2024 imo. It's rare that I watch a movie multiple times, especially modern movies, but that movie was definitely an exception.
I thought they were trying to create division with that movie cause the main promos were showing someone in the movie who wasn't Jesus performing miracles like he was Jesus. That's the main reason I passed on this film when it came out
The framing I think we're going for in this video, is does it tell a true (not literal) story? One that's human and complex and in touch with either a material or emotional reality. The balance of "struggle" and "joy" is irrelevant.
A few years ago,I got so tired of being sad or pissed off after watching black media that i simply stopped watching "black" movies or shows(unless they were horror or scifi..couldn't help watching us rise in this genre). This was not the right solution even though it felt like it was the only choice. After making this decision I actually found myself annoyed or anxious anytime it even seemed like a movie or show was leaning "black" or "woke"...my black ass was actually physically disgusted by things being "black". That's when I knew I had delusionally & unintentionally put myself into a self hating box..I didn't want to see OUR stories anymore simply because it hurt my heart. I knew I had to shift mental gears immediately,im still struggling to get back to the right state of mind. This video is a perfect amalgamation of all my inner conflict over the years. Well done! Very,very,very well done !
@Pillboy I disagree at this timestamp: 15:35 The reason some of the films and series that you mentioned haven’t been watched is because they don’t get promoted. Here are some non-trauma based series and films that had some mainstream support: The Creed Series Black Panther films Atlanta Insecure Entergalactic Summer of Soul Small Axe (Lover’s Rock episode) Us Nope The Vince Staples Show Uncorked Archive 81 Homecoming Season 2 Abbot Elementary Poppa’s House Sadly a lot of these studios, channels, production companies have to spend money to promote these projects so more people will see them. These projects are sometimes underfunded and therefore the promotion budget is also small. And some series that do well still don’t get greenlit for sequels or an additional season. Plus, black people only make up roughly 14% of the US population. So each black person would have to watch the same series or film at least 3 times for it to match similar viewership that a good mainstream project might receive.
@ He does, but he still puts the responsibility on viewers. People will watch what that’ll like. I think its a step too far to watch everything even if it may not be your cup of tea. Im glad Tubi is a space for up-and-coming filmmakers and producers, but I can't spend a huge chunk of my free time just watching Tubi.
@TheCloveart well in the end, the responsibility is on the viewers. Similar to how we have support black businesses, we also have to support black films! :)
@ I like the old adage that Kendrick Lamar said, “There is a difference between a black artist and a wack artist.” Yes, I love supporting my community, BUT not all projects or services are created equal. We should support projects that are GOOD! Because a rising tide lifts all boats. Some folks want a pat on the back for making something. That thing has to work and work well. Some of the Tubi stuff is good but some of the stuff isn’t. And sometimes a harsh reality can shape an entitled creator into a great one.
Fun fact: the “W” in the Hollywood sign is not symmetrical and when I see it I immediately notice it, and it pisses me off as to why they didn’t fix the sign.
I think we are so affected by exploitation of our pain we had a knee jerk reaction to the extent we don't allow for spectrum of emotions. Gatekeeping is necessary but it doesn't need to be binary. Easy subscribe. Love love love the art & video essay format. Great visuals too. Keep it up 🙌🏾
Love the video! I have a lot of thoughts on why the Black Joy narrative gained popularity. Many black people these days feel inferior when faced with racial topics. Seeing displays of violence and discrimination against black people on screen is making some black viewers feel weak and disempowered. Additionally, those traumatic black movies are more likely to receive mainstream attention, and more importantly, those movies receive mainstream respect. Black joy is a flat attempt to escape those feelings of inferiority and to generate respect for black people at a high point, rather than solely at a low point. Black people want their full humanity recognized and respected, not just a small aspect of it. Black Joy is a flat attempt to escape this dehumanization we are faced with. They want to see black people existing as humans on screen, and for mainstream society to affirm their humanness as well. We are beginning to live in a more rigid and archetypal society, and many black people feel the need to be portrayed in a positive archetype, rather than a nuanced way, when that nuance can be misconstrued as weakness and inferiority. Regarding elevating indie black movies, we live in such a fragmented media environment, it is difficult for films to become black cult classics like films of the past because people are not watching the same platforms. We are stuck in a world that is transforming in an odd way, in which we are losing nuance in media, but media and the way people feed off of it for their whole self-esteem is becoming more rigid and intense. I feel like I have a lot of thoughts on this and do not know how to properly express it all, but that was my attempt! Great video, gave me a lot to think about!
This black man would like to see black characters (Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQ+, etc.) in main roles or cast and it not JUST be about them being black. I'm currently playing through the Mass Effect series again and ended up just making the same black lesbian female I made last time. The great thing about having her there and seeing her be an awesome strong female is that at no point does the game characters turn around and ask her some stupid shit like "How has being a black lesbian woman effect you as a commander?" Characters can just BE characters and not have they're ethnicity or sexuality come into question. Now I'm not saying that I DON'T want those kinds of movies ever. MY mother and sister watch "Color Purple" together at least once a year and I'll sit down with them to. I see why its so important to them. I like "do the right thing" and my fave black TV show of all time is "Atlanta". But when media now days will have these roles and characters and make the advertising about how "we have a gay character in the cast" or have a good movie stop hard to point it out or address it, it feels forced or sometimes even exploitive.
I agree. I also like stories and movies that center around those topics. But it is nice to just have a movie where the character's conflicts aren't the things you see and experience everyday in real life. A fictional world where being black and/or a lesbian isn't a source of conflict for the character, but the issue is that your pilot fell asleep at the wheel and is guiding y'all into a separate galaxy. Or something like that, I've never played Mass Effect 😂
@adoniscreed4031 I have to be in the mood for Will. His acting style can be very blah for me. As for Edie, I like his older stuff like the two "Beverly Hills Cop" Movies and him in DreamGirls (I love a good musical).
@@Astro2024 100% Spiderverse. Such an amazing animated movie. Also really felt it cause I'm a Black/Hispanic. I would have KILLED for a Spiderman like that when I was growing up.
Thank you for the big list. There's a ton to watch. I also hope Black creatives keep creating new work. The more stories from different points of view and life experiences, the better. Look back into our history and build into our future.
There’s a whole journey standing in-between our time and the time where we can be colorblind without being complicit in exploitation. This, I think, is also the reason why we’re not gonna avoid trauma qorn
Just would like to point out that you can't tell a good story if your character(s) doesn't struggle in one way or another. Doesn't matter what "color" the character(s) is. I think that as long as Black stories have a balanced mix of "joy" and "trauma" without pushing any false narratives or agendas, then that's a well told story.
A problem with demanding Black Joy films is that it clashes with the complaints about movies being "too safe" because they're inoffensive to all groups of audiences, thus no risks, compared to black trauma films, which can be viewed as less safe and requires trigger warnings for audiences who are uncomfortable with certain content.
a great older example of a "Black joy" film is Don't Play Us Cheap from 1973, where its not just like uncritically happy but its about joy in spite of adversity
The concept of Black joy like most concepts centering Black people lost much of its meaning when it was introduced to the common vocabulary. Black joy as a term stems greatly from the world of academia. More specifically Black scholars who called for the elimination of damage based research in the Black community. Academia and the US at large have utilized Black folks for their own gain. Black joy comes strongly from social scientists who employ restorative practices in research. If we flip this to film Black joy would be films that have a set goal of enrichment and empowerment for Black communities. Much of the Black experience can be seen via a trauma or deficit lens leaving viewers drained (trauma porn). Black joy films would and aim to have an inverse impact starting conversations and centering the joy in the wake of and in spite of our experiences
Bro thank you so much for taking the time energy and effort to express what so many of us feel and experience. You summed up what we deal with as creators and consumers perfectly. Respect.
Broooooo! This my first time here, now I stayed becuase of the commentary and the topic. But sheesh! Bro are you animating these videos?????? If so, I don't even know you and I'm wild proud of you for it, lol. Salute fam, hold this subscription.
I’m a fan of art and not tropes. I feel like a lot of the media that’s thrown in our face plays on tropes and stereotypes using a sledgehammer. Rather than making some art with paint brush strokes. A lot of work is “Look nigga, shit is hard and sad and pull up your pants.” I’ve seen some dope shit and then it gets cancelled 😂 (see Raising Dion)
Pill boy has my entire Playlist goodness gracious.. This video was conveyed perfectly.. I always think about why the 90s and early 2000s black films felt better to watch. This is why. Also song recommended: Chain Dive - Tutorial theme
This was awesome. I’ve been in the horror sphere and a lot of my research is there and it pains me how people don’t support the indie Black horror that’s out here.
You deliver nuanced, well thought-out black content. Therefore, the algorithm will not boost you, only buffoonery and entertainment is respected by the TH-cam overlords. The best you can hope for is a Fd co-sign 🤷🏾♂️
you always have such a well-thought out, concise thesis; and are able to back it up so perfectly. it’s clear how talented you are when it comes to essay writing. not to mention your editing and animation is unlike any other essayist (in the best way). truly outstanding ideas and messages. overall really great stuff and just had to let you know. being just some white girl i dunno if i’m even close to being the target audience, but i really enjoy your opinions and videos! im excited to see where your channel and career takes you 😸
The entire video I was thinking about the movie Meteor Man and how such a great film that was. It included everything and everyone. So when at the 22:25 mark, i'l like "YeaH! Watch Meteor Man.". "Yes I remember Meteor Man. Yes, I knew he...what? YES I DID! I read the...what? I READ IT! What? I read his fucking comics!" I almost thumbed down the video cuz that had me screaming at my screen. Great video.
Hey I'm subscribed but haven't seen one of your videos pop up in forever. Your character avatar animation is so unique. It's like a tiny bit uncanny valley but appealing? Idk. Okay actually listening now.
The Book of Clarence and American Fiction were amazing I must say I was an avid movie goer pre-covid, going every Tuesday and every blockbuster Friday. But since 2020 I’ve only been 3 times. I miss it.
Love this conversation, I don't use the term "Black Joy" whatsoever, so I'm never looking for movies like that. But I think a great example of "Black Joy" on screen would be "Coming To America", which of course is categorized as a Comdey.
You thought the Pixar movie Soul was a story about black joy?! It's a movie about a guy that was already feeling like his life had no meaning, finally getting an opportunity only to die immediately after At the end he only gets to live again after excepting that he's dead and gets in line to go the Afterlife. After that he finds that the opportunity he found before he died didn't fulfill him. That's a story about Black Joy to you?!
And idk if y’all notice this but Hollywood always release black trauma films around Oscar season because they know it’s a shoe in for an Oscar nomination and just for them to full field their diverse quota and it’s not out of the goodness of their heart
Great socio political breakdown of the industry, the movies and our interaction. When Eastern Europeans went West, incorporating European banking with art the alchemy they created was to paint themselves in a more favourable light. It's time that we do the same by taking advantage of venture capital and form our own development to direct consumer relationship eco-systems. The only way to take charge of our own image is to do exactly what Eastern Europeans did 80 years ago. Our destiny is in our hands but dominion of our destiny needs to be established through action. The most dangerous weapon on earth is an idea, because it infects the recipient at the point of contact and shifts their consciousness from where it was to the frequency of the idea. Our masterful ideas are what they fear, which is why a handful of Eastern European settlers told Black filmmakers our movies don't travel and there's no audience (whilst at the same time casting us as pimp number one or mugger number 2). The future of our image is in the hands of visionary creative collaborators, who through technology can collaborate on a global basis using the advantages of our respective territories. Great channel 👨🏾🎓
The solution is just existing. Regular normal experiences. What people want is the variety that was given in what is called the black film Renaissance of the 90s (a little of the 2000s). It's interesting that black people in the past (particular 20-35 yrs) ago would often comment on how non black people would write characters centered around their blackness. Yet alot of these projects mentioned earlier in this video and others have this racial, social commentary and trauma. Which is either written or executive produced by a black person. I mean let us have a horror or suspense movie when teenagers go on their senior class trip and something goes down Or a wedding reception that starts to go haywire
I would also like to see a movie about black joy. Literally, make a movie, call it "Black Joy". Make it a documentary, and film black subjects being passionate about what they love. My father in law finds joy by driving around just helping people. He volunteers alot, and was a black doctor back when there weren't that many. My black sister is a bestselling sci fi author who is currently amazed by the two black babies she made. There is much black joy all around us, its just an underexplored subject. Don't expect hollywood people to help you tell these stories.
2:00 speaking on black trauma movies people under the stairs was one of my fav childhood horror movies fool looked like me my age impossible situation gets out in the end we need a reboot
My problem is that from a storytelling perspective, you dont have a story without conflict. Many people describe a bland series of generic happy scenes and call it Black Joy. Thats not a story. Also, i think the monolith thing is so overstated. When people tell me that they never experienced anything racial, red flag. Also, many stories set in slavery by Black authors are actually underexplored and are completely different. Ta-Nehisi Coates the Water Dancer is an example.
I think the line is drawn at wether its necessary to the story. Or even worse if the entire piece of work is about an unnecessary narrative itself(founded in sensationalism)
"Black joy" as a concept always bugged me, because it never specifies how that joy is expressed. And when they do, it's the most weak ideas that border on Hallmark movies, which they already have black versions of. It's as if the nuances that come with combining joy and pain (like sunshine and rain) can never exist the way they do in white movies. We should welcome a diverse smattering of black cinema that goes through the whole plethora of life, like A Thousand and One or All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt from a couple years ago.
I just want things to go back to being natural instead of forced. Every commercial has a black person in it or narrating it followed by, you guessed it, hip hop music as if we didn’t have that in the 2000’s now all of a sudden it wasn’t emphasized enough so now it has to be in everything, Its so cringe🤦🏾♂️
IMO the only way to get people excited about Black media is to build communities dedicated to celebrating it: -indie screenings - film clubs for children and adults alike, - community classes in media literacy and film history - movie nights at the rec center You get what I mean. Part of the joy of watching something is getting to discuss and dissect it with likeminded (or sometimes not; i like a good debate now and then) individuals. I think building that into the viewing process is crucial to fostering a love for films, and a greater interest in smaller, Black-led projects.
I appreciate this video... but why speak to the people that say all black art is trauma porn. All movies need a protagonist, antagonist, and an obstacle to overcome. That's just story telling. You're speaking to idiots that will find a problem for every solution. I do like this video tho
Since there’s “no “Black joy on screen” according to some…
“Time” dir. by Garett Bradley
“Selah and the Spades” dir. by Tayarisha Poe
“The Princess & the Frog” dir. by Jon Musker & Roger Clements
“They Cloned Tyrone” dir. by Jules Taylor
“One Night in Miami” dir. by Regina King
“The Book of Clarence” dir. by Jeymes Samuel
“Bad Hair” dir. by Justin Simien
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” dir. by George C. Wolfe
“Cooley High” dir. by Michael Schultz
“Old Guard” dir. by Gina Prince Blythewood
“Entergalactic” dir. by Fletcher Moules
“Dope” dir. by Rick Famuyiwa
“Sorry to Bother You” dir. by Boots Riley
“All Day and a Night” dir. by Joe Robert Cole
“Sylvie’s Love” dir. by Eugene Ashe
“Black Box” dir. by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.
“His House” dir. by Remi Weekes
“Real Love” dir. by Angel Kristi Williams
“Jingle Jangle” dir. by Dave E. Talbert
“The Photograph” dir. by Stella Meghie
“40 Year Old Verison” dir. by Radha Blank
“The 24” dir. by Kevin Wilmont
“Da 5 Bloods” dir. by Spike Lee
“Imani” dir. by Mike Ho
“You’re Not Gonna Believe This” dir. by Shon Ayanna
“Outlaw Johnny Black” dir. by Michael Jae White
“The Lawnmower Man” dir. by Murda Pain
“Venus Effect” dir. by Andrew Burn
“Black Santa” dir. by Conrad Craven
“The Meteor Man” dir. by Robert Townsend
“Soul” dir. by Kemp Powers
“Residue” dir. by Merawi Gerima
“The Blackening” dir. by Tim Story
“The Banker” dir. by George Nolfi
“Charm City Kings” dir. by Angel Manuel Soto
and many more that I don’t have space for. Go watch more Black movies.
i did NOT know the blackening was black joy, maybe i should stop assuming and just watch
What about "Big Momma's House"?
@@Octobre1986 I haven’t watched that since the Bush Administration
Insecure is an excellent example of a television series centered on the Black experience. While it addresses topics such as racism, microaggressions, and cultural appropriation, Issa Rae does a remarkable job of ensuring the show feels authentically Black without being entirely rooted in Black trauma.
I was so mad people let The Book of Clarence flop! Went and saw it with a friend who’s heavily religious and it led us to a great conversation afterward. We let a movie with A BLACK JESUS, fail! 😢
That movie was really dope.
We gotta collectively stop Tyler Perry because I just feel like that has to be written in this comment.
Because jesus/yeshua wasn't black, he was a semetic person of Palestine. We need to stop doing the work of colonizers. They are being deleted in real life and in literature. Guess who has olive colored skin and hair like sheep's wool. It's the people who ALWAYS lived in that region.. Palestinians. Side note Palestinian is not a religion, there are Palestinian Jewish people, Christians, muslims, atheist. When a people are colonized, religion is forced onto them, so semetic people can be converted to Islam in the 1400's. Read some history, don't be part of the problem which our ancestors suffered.
That was the best movie of 2024 imo. It's rare that I watch a movie multiple times, especially modern movies, but that movie was definitely an exception.
Sad that flopped, but no sympathy for "The Society of Magical" not doing well. That was built on too much egotism.
I thought they were trying to create division with that movie cause the main promos were showing someone in the movie who wasn't Jesus performing miracles like he was Jesus. That's the main reason I passed on this film when it came out
Pillboy’s post-timeskip fit goes hard
34 year old black man here and I love your work brother. Keep it up we need more of your type of black creators.
In order to have joy, one must have something worth the pain. In order to have pain, one must have had joy.
trueee
3:18 "Relying SOLELY on Black Joy..." with SOUL on screen
I see what you did there 🔥
3:18 *
Soul imo is a very human tale of the artist’s struggle.
I figured he didn’t watch all the examples given.
@@bannedmann4469 Point still stand.
The framing I think we're going for in this video, is does it tell a true (not literal) story? One that's human and complex and in touch with either a material or emotional reality. The balance of "struggle" and "joy" is irrelevant.
@ that’s what I meant though it’s a human story
Soul is easily in my top 5 animated films of all time.
So glad I found you on here. I want you to grow as far as you want in this TH-cam journey brother 🙏🏾
A few years ago,I got so tired of being sad or pissed off after watching black media that i simply stopped watching "black" movies or shows(unless they were horror or scifi..couldn't help watching us rise in this genre). This was not the right solution even though it felt like it was the only choice. After making this decision I actually found myself annoyed or anxious anytime it even seemed like a movie or show was leaning "black" or "woke"...my black ass was actually physically disgusted by things being "black". That's when I knew I had delusionally & unintentionally put myself into a self hating box..I didn't want to see OUR stories anymore simply because it hurt my heart. I knew I had to shift mental gears immediately,im still struggling to get back to the right state of mind. This video is a perfect amalgamation of all my inner conflict over the years. Well done! Very,very,very well done !
@Pillboy I disagree at this timestamp: 15:35
The reason some of the films and series that you mentioned haven’t been watched is because they don’t get promoted.
Here are some non-trauma based series and films that had some mainstream support:
The Creed Series
Black Panther films
Atlanta
Insecure
Entergalactic
Summer of Soul
Small Axe (Lover’s Rock episode)
Us
Nope
The Vince Staples Show
Uncorked
Archive 81
Homecoming Season 2
Abbot Elementary
Poppa’s House
Sadly a lot of these studios, channels, production companies have to spend money to promote these projects so more people will see them. These projects are sometimes underfunded and therefore the promotion budget is also small.
And some series that do well still don’t get greenlit for sequels or an additional season.
Plus, black people only make up roughly 14% of the US population. So each black person would have to watch the same series or film at least 3 times for it to match similar viewership that a good mainstream project might receive.
16:19 If I’m not mistaken he addresses this like a minute later
@ He does, but he still puts the responsibility on viewers. People will watch what that’ll like. I think its a step too far to watch everything even if it may not be your cup of tea.
Im glad Tubi is a space for up-and-coming filmmakers and producers, but I can't spend a huge chunk of my free time just watching Tubi.
@TheCloveart well in the end, the responsibility is on the viewers. Similar to how we have support black businesses, we also have to support black films! :)
@ I like the old adage that Kendrick Lamar said, “There is a difference between a black artist and a wack artist.”
Yes, I love supporting my community, BUT not all projects or services are created equal. We should support projects that are GOOD! Because a rising tide lifts all boats. Some folks want a pat on the back for making something. That thing has to work and work well.
Some of the Tubi stuff is good but some of the stuff isn’t. And sometimes a harsh reality can shape an entitled creator into a great one.
Fun fact: the “W” in the Hollywood sign is not symmetrical and when I see it I immediately notice it, and it pisses me off as to why they didn’t fix the sign.
I think we are so affected by exploitation of our pain we had a knee jerk reaction to the extent we don't allow for spectrum of emotions. Gatekeeping is necessary but it doesn't need to be binary.
Easy subscribe. Love love love the art & video essay format. Great visuals too. Keep it up 🙌🏾
Love the video! I have a lot of thoughts on why the Black Joy narrative gained popularity. Many black people these days feel inferior when faced with racial topics. Seeing displays of violence and discrimination against black people on screen is making some black viewers feel weak and disempowered. Additionally, those traumatic black movies are more likely to receive mainstream attention, and more importantly, those movies receive mainstream respect. Black joy is a flat attempt to escape those feelings of inferiority and to generate respect for black people at a high point, rather than solely at a low point. Black people want their full humanity recognized and respected, not just a small aspect of it. Black Joy is a flat attempt to escape this dehumanization we are faced with. They want to see black people existing as humans on screen, and for mainstream society to affirm their humanness as well. We are beginning to live in a more rigid and archetypal society, and many black people feel the need to be portrayed in a positive archetype, rather than a nuanced way, when that nuance can be misconstrued as weakness and inferiority.
Regarding elevating indie black movies, we live in such a fragmented media environment, it is difficult for films to become black cult classics like films of the past because people are not watching the same platforms. We are stuck in a world that is transforming in an odd way, in which we are losing nuance in media, but media and the way people feed off of it for their whole self-esteem is becoming more rigid and intense. I feel like I have a lot of thoughts on this and do not know how to properly express it all, but that was my attempt! Great video, gave me a lot to think about!
This black man would like to see black characters (Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQ+, etc.) in main roles or cast and it not JUST be about them being black.
I'm currently playing through the Mass Effect series again and ended up just making the same black lesbian female I made last time. The great thing about having her there and seeing her be an awesome strong female is that at no point does the game characters turn around and ask her some stupid shit like "How has being a black lesbian woman effect you as a commander?" Characters can just BE characters and not have they're ethnicity or sexuality come into question.
Now I'm not saying that I DON'T want those kinds of movies ever. MY mother and sister watch "Color Purple" together at least once a year and I'll sit down with them to. I see why its so important to them. I like "do the right thing" and my fave black TV show of all time is "Atlanta". But when media now days will have these roles and characters and make the advertising about how "we have a gay character in the cast" or have a good movie stop hard to point it out or address it, it feels forced or sometimes even exploitive.
So Will Smith's and Eddie Murphy's entire movie catalogues then 🤣
Spider verse
I agree. I also like stories and movies that center around those topics. But it is nice to just have a movie where the character's conflicts aren't the things you see and experience everyday in real life. A fictional world where being black and/or a lesbian isn't a source of conflict for the character, but the issue is that your pilot fell asleep at the wheel and is guiding y'all into a separate galaxy. Or something like that, I've never played Mass Effect 😂
@adoniscreed4031 I have to be in the mood for Will. His acting style can be very blah for me. As for Edie, I like his older stuff like the two "Beverly Hills Cop" Movies and him in DreamGirls (I love a good musical).
@@Astro2024 100% Spiderverse. Such an amazing animated movie. Also really felt it cause I'm a Black/Hispanic. I would have KILLED for a Spiderman like that when I was growing up.
Thank you for the big list. There's a ton to watch. I also hope Black creatives keep creating new work. The more stories from different points of view and life experiences, the better. Look back into our history and build into our future.
There’s a whole journey standing in-between our time and the time where we can be colorblind without being complicit in exploitation.
This, I think, is also the reason why we’re not gonna avoid trauma qorn
Just would like to point out that you can't tell a good story if your character(s) doesn't struggle in one way or another. Doesn't matter what "color" the character(s) is.
I think that as long as Black stories have a balanced mix of "joy" and "trauma" without pushing any false narratives or agendas, then that's a well told story.
A problem with demanding Black Joy films is that it clashes with the complaints about movies being "too safe" because they're inoffensive to all groups of audiences, thus no risks, compared to black trauma films, which can be viewed as less safe and requires trigger warnings for audiences who are uncomfortable with certain content.
METEOR MAN MENTIONED
a great older example of a "Black joy" film is Don't Play Us Cheap from 1973, where its not just like uncritically happy but its about joy in spite of adversity
The concept of Black joy like most concepts centering Black people lost much of its meaning when it was introduced to the common vocabulary. Black joy as a term stems greatly from the world of academia. More specifically Black scholars who called for the elimination of damage based research in the Black community. Academia and the US at large have utilized Black folks for their own gain. Black joy comes strongly from social scientists who employ restorative practices in research. If we flip this to film Black joy would be films that have a set goal of enrichment and empowerment for Black communities. Much of the Black experience can be seen via a trauma or deficit lens leaving viewers drained (trauma porn). Black joy films would and aim to have an inverse impact starting conversations and centering the joy in the wake of and in spite of our experiences
Bro thank you so much for taking the time energy and effort to express what so many of us feel and experience. You summed up what we deal with as creators and consumers perfectly. Respect.
I'll say one of the best black films I've seen was, American fiction, that was discussing the black joy concept
first vid I've watched from this channel and I must say I LOVE the format. extremely unique.
Broooooo! This my first time here, now I stayed becuase of the commentary and the topic. But sheesh! Bro are you animating these videos?????? If so, I don't even know you and I'm wild proud of you for it, lol. Salute fam, hold this subscription.
What an intelligent commentator you are. Took the words right out of my head and made them into a brilliant video. Subscribed!
subbed. already had me with the content of the video then you snuck that tekken music in there! 💪🏾
Yo i just rewatched your last video on the film industry and you came back with another one! Looking forward to it
Your the best channel I’ve found as a black filmmaker, love it here❤
I’m a fan of art and not tropes.
I feel like a lot of the media that’s thrown in our face plays on tropes and stereotypes using a sledgehammer. Rather than making some art with paint brush strokes.
A lot of work is “Look nigga, shit is hard and sad and pull up your pants.” I’ve seen some dope shit and then it gets cancelled 😂 (see Raising Dion)
Pill boy has my entire Playlist goodness gracious..
This video was conveyed perfectly.. I always think about why the 90s and early 2000s black films felt better to watch. This is why.
Also song recommended: Chain Dive - Tutorial theme
This was awesome.
I’ve been in the horror sphere and a lot of my research is there and it pains me how people don’t support the indie Black horror that’s out here.
You deliver nuanced, well thought-out black content. Therefore, the algorithm will not boost you, only buffoonery and entertainment is respected by the TH-cam overlords. The best you can hope for is a Fd co-sign 🤷🏾♂️
you always have such a well-thought out, concise thesis; and are able to back it up so perfectly. it’s clear how talented you are when it comes to essay writing. not to mention your editing and animation is unlike any other essayist (in the best way). truly outstanding ideas and messages.
overall really great stuff and just had to let you know. being just some white girl i dunno if i’m even close to being the target audience, but i really enjoy your opinions and videos! im excited to see where your channel and career takes you 😸
The entire video I was thinking about the movie Meteor Man and how such a great film that was. It included everything and everyone. So when at the 22:25 mark, i'l like "YeaH! Watch Meteor Man.". "Yes I remember Meteor Man. Yes, I knew he...what? YES I DID! I read the...what? I READ IT! What? I read his fucking comics!" I almost thumbed down the video cuz that had me screaming at my screen. Great video.
Hey I'm subscribed but haven't seen one of your videos pop up in forever. Your character avatar animation is so unique. It's like a tiny bit uncanny valley but appealing? Idk. Okay actually listening now.
Thank you for this. Grabbed a screenshot of that list. Got some homework to do👊🏾 And I rewatched Meteor Man a couple years ago; still holds up😊
new favorite channel
"I hate babies and puppies."
This is why I watch this channel outside of the amazing animation of your avatar. Keep it up man.
The Book of Clarence and American Fiction were amazing
I must say I was an avid movie goer pre-covid, going every Tuesday and every blockbuster Friday. But since 2020 I’ve only been 3 times. I miss it.
Brotha finally put sum shoes on 😂
Yup. So tired of the trauma and victimization
Honestly I wish there was more action adventure fantasy animated stories for an older audience or more magical girl content.
Love this conversation, I don't use the term "Black Joy" whatsoever, so I'm never looking for movies like that. But I think a great example of "Black Joy" on screen would be "Coming To America", which of course is categorized as a Comdey.
I love hearing the perspective of the digital natives
You thought the Pixar movie Soul was a story about black joy?! It's a movie about a guy that was already feeling like his life had no meaning, finally getting an opportunity only to die immediately after
At the end he only gets to live again after excepting that he's dead and gets in line to go the Afterlife. After that he finds that the opportunity he found before he died didn't fulfill him. That's a story about Black Joy to you?!
Joy and pain…sunshine and rain
You always put out informative videos about us, keep it going.
Been fw your videos for a few months now
Could you pls try a black bg as the backdrop to save our collective eyes and device batteries
Well done. Now I'ma need to meditate with some cinnamon buns ✌🏾🥹
What’s your opinion on Lovecraft country
finally! i’ve been waiting!!!!
And idk if y’all notice this but Hollywood always release black trauma films around Oscar season because they know it’s a shoe in for an Oscar nomination and just for them to full field their diverse quota and it’s not out of the goodness of their heart
You're not saying anything new.
@ Ik it’s just something I’m starting to realize now
@ Ik it’s just something I’m starting to realize now
This was the best ad for tubi I ever seen...
love your videos can’t believe it’s already been a year now
Happy as hell I found you omg
Favourite new channel found in 2024, easy ❤️
Great socio political breakdown of the industry, the movies and our interaction. When Eastern Europeans went West, incorporating European banking with art the alchemy they created was to paint themselves in a more favourable light.
It's time that we do the same by taking advantage of venture capital and form our own development to direct consumer relationship eco-systems. The only way to take charge of our own image is to do exactly what Eastern Europeans did 80 years ago.
Our destiny is in our hands but dominion of our destiny needs to be established through action. The most dangerous weapon on earth is an idea, because it infects the recipient at the point of contact and shifts their consciousness from where it was to the frequency of the idea.
Our masterful ideas are what they fear, which is why a handful of Eastern European settlers told Black filmmakers our movies don't travel and there's no audience (whilst at the same time casting us as pimp number one or mugger number 2). The future of our image is in the hands of visionary creative collaborators, who through technology can collaborate on a global basis using the advantages of our respective territories.
Great channel 👨🏾🎓
Feel like ive found a hidden gem channel
Found my new fav TH-camr
Hearing Ulysses playin in the background made me happy.
Definitely motivated me to give tube movies a try
The solution is just existing. Regular normal experiences.
What people want is the variety that was given in what is called the black film Renaissance of the 90s (a little of the 2000s).
It's interesting that black people in the past (particular 20-35 yrs) ago would often comment on how non black people would write characters centered around their blackness. Yet alot of these projects mentioned earlier in this video and others have this racial, social commentary and trauma. Which is either written or executive produced by a black person.
I mean let us have a horror or suspense movie when teenagers go on their senior class trip and something goes down Or a wedding reception that starts to go haywire
Lawnmower Man's twist lowkey took me by surprise. Not a bad film at all
Dropping in to support
The first 11 seconds of this video. What episode and season of blackish is this from?
Bae wake up a new pillboy video is here
They are evolving
It isn't "Black joy" per say but it's a quality sci-fi thriller with a black lead that I need renewed: Archive 81.
Love your videos.
I would also like to see a movie about black joy. Literally, make a movie, call it "Black Joy". Make it a documentary, and film black subjects being passionate about what they love. My father in law finds joy by driving around just helping people. He volunteers alot, and was a black doctor back when there weren't that many. My black sister is a bestselling sci fi author who is currently amazed by the two black babies she made. There is much black joy all around us, its just an underexplored subject. Don't expect hollywood people to help you tell these stories.
Pillboy with that Naruto Shippuden glow up
We need more “Craig of the creek’s”🤧🤌🏿
2:00 speaking on black trauma movies people under the stairs was one of my fav childhood horror movies fool looked like me my age impossible situation gets out in the end we need a reboot
My problem is that from a storytelling perspective, you dont have a story without conflict. Many people describe a bland series of generic happy scenes and call it Black Joy. Thats not a story. Also, i think the monolith thing is so overstated. When people tell me that they never experienced anything racial, red flag. Also, many stories set in slavery by Black authors are actually underexplored and are completely different. Ta-Nehisi Coates the Water Dancer is an example.
Look at the algorithm making me proud 4 good black creators to follow in the last week
Mann🤔🧐🤨😒 please Talk HEAVY💪🏿👁️ My Brotha ✊🏿. I don't think they really want to understand
Yessir new upload🎉
Have you heard of the Vernon Philosophy?
A big reason is also that people love drama slop even when they know it's bad for them to watch it. That's why there's less black joy on the screens.
I know this isn’t movie related.
But what black indie comic/webcomic do yall recommend to check out their work
There are a few black webcomics im reading rn on the webtoon app, Ordeal, daybeak, blacksun. Ordeal is my favorite
@
Thx
And also another i like called, Here there be dragons
Arisen is pretty dope
3:15 I really love Soul I usally love Pixar movies But i especially loved Soul
It’s like Joy and Sadness in Inside Out
Just those 2 would make you crash out 😂
Just 1 would make you a psycho
futility is funny... keep screaming into the abyss xD
Why a sprite dress better than me?
I think the line is drawn at wether its necessary to the story. Or even worse if the entire piece of work is about an unnecessary narrative itself(founded in sensationalism)
I love Attack the Block!
"Black joy" as a concept always bugged me, because it never specifies how that joy is expressed. And when they do, it's the most weak ideas that border on Hallmark movies, which they already have black versions of. It's as if the nuances that come with combining joy and pain (like sunshine and rain) can never exist the way they do in white movies. We should welcome a diverse smattering of black cinema that goes through the whole plethora of life, like A Thousand and One or All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt from a couple years ago.
ayee pillboy vid
I'm definitely NOT watching Nickel Boys.
Maybe i should check out tubi
Book of Clarence os sich a fun movie. I'm dad it didn't make money.
I just want things to go back to being natural instead of forced. Every commercial has a black person in it or narrating it followed by, you guessed it, hip hop music as if we didn’t have that in the 2000’s now all of a sudden it wasn’t emphasized enough so now it has to be in everything, Its so cringe🤦🏾♂️
✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
PLEASE‼️‼️‼️🖤✊🏾
U uses the word impossible a lot in the video
IMO the only way to get people excited about Black media is to build communities dedicated to celebrating it:
-indie screenings
- film clubs for children and adults alike,
- community classes in media literacy and film history
- movie nights at the rec center
You get what I mean.
Part of the joy of watching something is getting to discuss and dissect it with likeminded (or sometimes not; i like a good debate now and then) individuals. I think building that into the viewing process is crucial to fostering a love for films, and a greater interest in smaller, Black-led projects.
🫡💯
I appreciate this video... but why speak to the people that say all black art is trauma porn. All movies need a protagonist, antagonist, and an obstacle to overcome. That's just story telling. You're speaking to idiots that will find a problem for every solution. I do like this video tho