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Movies & TV

Five Black films (other than Black Panther) to watch this week

I haven’t watched Black Panther, and I’ve had it up to here with people assuming that I will. To be sure, I will. But not for the reason I suspect many people have in mind. I’m an admirer of director Ryan Coogler’s previous films, Fruitvale Station and Creed. I’m a sci-fi and fantasy fan with an interest in the Afrofuturist genre, and I’ll watch anything that has the stately Danai Gurira in it.

But most of the strangers and varied acquaintances who ask if I’ve watched Black Panther yet, including my bagel guy who used it as a way to appease me after he got my order wrong, don’t know this. What they do know is I’m Black and Black Panther features an all-Black cast. But here’s the breaking news: that doesn’t mean that all Black people are interested in watching it.

I noticed the same thing when Get Out and Moonlight were released: films I also watched for reasons I’d like to believe were more layered than just my ethnicity. Noticeably absent, however, were all the inquiries into why I wasn’t rushing to the theatre to watch La La Land.

Black Panther marks an important moment for Black representation on film. But if you’re Black and not planning to watch it right at this very moment, or if you’re not Black and think broadening your palette is generally a good idea, here are five films playing this week that chronicle the Black experience in equally important ways.

I Am Not Your Negro

James Baldwin’s spoken words provide the unflinching narrative for this BAFTA-winning documentary that explores the fight for civil rights against the pathology of racism in America. Much of the revered writer’s insights are disturbingly relevant today.

February 24 at Dufferin/St. Clair Library (1625 Dufferin), 2 pm, free. See listing for details.

Music on Film: Mama Africa

Miriam Makeba was one of the first African musicians to achieve international success. She was also an outspoken anti-apartheid activist, who was forced into exile. This wide-ranging documentary draws on 50 years of performances and candid, behind-the-scenes footage to tell her story. Live music from South Sudanese singer/songwriter Ruth Mathiang and Waleed Abdulhamid follows the screening.

February 27 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor W), 6:30 pm, $17. See listing for details.

6ix Rising: Inside The World Of Rap In Toronto

Drake and The Weeknd brought global attention to the city’s hip-hop and R&B scenes. With all ears attuned to the 6ix, this documentary takes a close look at the burgeoning artists grinding for similar success. Featuring Big Lean, CMDWN, Friyie, Jazz Cartier, Pressa and Prime Boys.

February 28 at Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge), 6 pm, free. See listing for details.

Unarmed Verses

The youth at the heart of this documentary face forced relocation and the demolition of their neighborhood for yet another Toronto “revitalization” project. Nevertheless, their creativity and resilience persist as they participate in a community-based songwriting and recording program. Director Charles Officer will be on hand for a Q+A following the screening.

February 28 at Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex), 7 pm, free with RSVP. See listing for details.

Brown Girl Begins

Ti-Jeanne is the reluctant heroine of this post-apocalyptic tale about a young woman who must embrace her otherworldly powers to save her people from a ruthless drug lord. It took director Sharon Lewis fifteen years to bring her vision to the screen, adapting the iconic afrofuturist novel Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson. The February 24 gala premiere at the AGO is sold out but the film will get a run at the Cineplex.

Starts March 2 at Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas (10 Dundas E), various times. See website for details.

chrisr@nowtoronto.com | @missrattan

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