Gareth’s Picks

Judah and the Black Messiah (2021)

Powerful true story about how the FBI took down Fred Hampton and the Black Panthers.  Amazing acting from the always great Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield and direction from Shaka King.  I remember seeing this at Sundance and knowing there would have to be Oscar nominations and indeed Kaluuya went on to win Best Supporting Actor and had a phenomenal acceptance speech.

Available on Max

A Thousand and One (2023)

Tough but important story about a young black woman trying to raise a son in New York City.  A.V. Rockwell does a fantastic job with her first feature length film giving this story nuance and depth.  Teyana Taylor brings a level of pathos with her fearless acting.

Available on Amazon Prime

Craig’s Picks

A Band Called Death (2012)

Detroit African-American punk band in the 70s called Death. The story of the re-discovery is fascinating with interviews from surviving members and musicians. The music is insanely good. 

Watch with Fandor subscription or search for it on YouTube. I’m not the YouTube police.

Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone (2010)

Another amazing doc about this trail blazing,

all black punk band. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne. It’s a heartbreaking story, but it will make you want to re-visit the catalog afterwards. They were just that good.

Available to rent on Amazon for $2