By Imara Ikhumen
image source : https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g18753561/best-classic-movies/
Sounder (1972)
Sounder features a small ensemble cast, but is heavily led by Cicely Tyson in one of her earliest film performances. It’s a little bit of a slow burn, but it is heartwarming and worthwhile to see the great Ms. Tyson in her first lead role.
Image source: https://www.amazon.com/Sounder-Cicely-Tyson/dp/6300214966
Rafiki (2018)
In this Kenyan romance, two young women experience love as an emotional journey that is hindered by a classic Romeo + Juliet dynamic as well as by society itself.
image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8286894/
Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Waiting to Exhale is a classic among black women. It tells the story of four friends who all struggle from different problems in love. This dramedy/romance is still hilarious and empowering almost 30 years later.
image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiting_to_Exhale
Daughters of the Dust (1991)
Daughters of the Dust is severely underrated in most circles. It is an ethereally beautiful film which basks in oral storytelling as well as other forgotten traditions that it honors. There is really nothing else like it out there.
Image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104057/
Us (2019)
Of course most people know already that Us is an AWESOME horror film. Bt, do you ever think about what it is that the actors would have gone through emotionally and physically to portray two different versions of one person? That level of talent is almost inconceivable.
Image source: https://www.joblo.com/movie-posters/2019/us/image-35121
Tangerine (2015)
Don’t discount Tangerine just because it was filmed on an iPhone. The acting is A1 and the script is laugh out loud funny. It’s the kind of film that you can enjoy seeing more than once.
ELJU
image source: https://www.amazon.com/Tangerine-Movie-Poster-Style-Unframed/dp/B011CH
Leaf In the Wind (2014)
While Leaf in the Wind is not a narrative film, and Ernestine Ouandié is not an actress, she is a great storyteller and a captivating speaker. She tells the extremely sad story of her life as the daughter of Ernest Ouandié, who was assassinated by the Cameroonian government. This largely unseen documentary is an important historical gem.
Image source: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/37739Touki Bouki (1973)
Touki Bouki (or The Journey of the Hyena) is a film from one of the most well-known Senegalese directors, Djibril Diop Mambety. Through a surrealist lens, it follows love and the effects of colonization. It is worth noting that there are scenes of animal slaughter in the first 5 minutes which may not be suitable for all viewers.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touki_Bouki
The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
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The Incredible Jessica James is a super fun, super light-hearted romantic comedy about a young theatre teacher in New York City, played by the charming Jessica Williams. This film is perfect for a relaxing night on the couch with friends.
Image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5990342
Atlantics (2019)
Profound and very much haunting. Atlantics covers many different themes and it covers them quite well. All of the women in this film deliver beautiful performances, especially Mame Bineta Sane, who plays Ada.
Image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10199586/
Pariah (2011)
In this film written and directed by Dee Rees, Adepero Oduye stars as Alike, a teen who is struggling with her sexual identity. It is sad, touching, well-written, and totally worth a watch for anyone who enjoys dramas.
Image source: https://www.iceposter.com/posters/movies/Pariah_movie_posters_(2011)/MOV_8b5d9432
Within Our Gates (1920)
Within Our Gates is such an important film historically for cinema and for black culture because it is one of the first known films to be directed and produced by a black person (Oscar Micheaux). It served as his response to the dreadfully hateful Birth of a Nation. In Within Our Gates, Evelyn Preer plays an educated young black woman who attempts to use her resources to save a school for black children. Symbol of the Unconquered, another early film by Oscar Micheaux, starring Iris Hall is also a great option.
Image source: https://www.amazon.com/Within-Gates-Silent-Evelyn-Preer/dp/B0071CL7SO
Set it Off (1996)
Set It Off is a heist film with an amazing star-studded cast of women who all eventually became legends in their own right. It was among Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett, Vivica Fox, and Kimberly Elise’s first film roles. The film has great music and is just right for anyone who loves a little bit of action.
Image source: https://www.amazon.com/Set-Off-Movie-Poster-Inches/dp/B004UX6WC8
Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Miss Juneteenth is a gorgeous film. It is a drama about a mother named Turquoise (played by Nichole Beharie), who insists on her daughter, Kai (played by Alexis Chikaeze) entering the Miss Juneteenth local pageant in hopes of winning a college scholarship. Nichole Beharie delivers an exceptionally moving performance in this visually pleasing treasure.
Image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11394158/
Coffy (1973)
Last but not least, Coffy is a film from the peak of the blaxploitation era. These films come with their concerns for the contemporary viewer, but Coffy is simply epic nonetheless. From the fashion to the butt kickin’, it’s non stop entertainment. Pam Grier has rightfully gone down in history for her iconic role, so if you haven’t already seen it, you’re overdue. And if you have, then it’s the perfect movie to watch another time.
Image source: https://www.amazon.com/Coffy-POSTER-Movie-27-Inches/dp/B00KK6EQ9U
