There are a plethora of Independent films soaring through the film world and here are a few prominent ones featuring African American actors, writers and directors.
Things Never Said
Charles Murray: Writer, Director and Producer
Things Never Said is the story of Kalinda Stepney, a woman haunted by a miscarriage and stuck in an abusive marriage. With the power of poetry and the affections of a handsome stranger, Kalinda begins to see her way out of her strained existence. Things Never Said was selected for many film festivals, including the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival.
Dear White People
Justin Simein: Writer and Director
Dear White People won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent at this years Sundance Film festival. The film is a comedy that focuses on four black students at a fictitious Ivy League school, where a predominantly white group throws a racist theme party. Dear White People is currently making rounds at film festivals across the nation.
Maffe Tiga
Mohamed Dione: Writer and Director
This romantic dramedy centers on a young woman in the midst of financial difficulties and relationship drama. With the help of her grandmother she finds that it is the heritage, love and wisdom of her family that will help carry her through. Maffe Tiga is a popular west African dish that means Peanut Butter stew. The short film was a 2012 official selection of the Black Harvest Film Festival.
Mother of George
Andrew Dosunmu: Director
Mother of George is a Nigerian dramatic film about a couple living in Brooklyn. The couple owns and manages their own restaurant, but are dealing with fertility issues. Desperate to have a child of her own, Adenike, the main character, becomes involved in a scheme that eventually weighs her down. The film has been acquired for U. S. distribution.
Middle of Nowhere
Ava Duvernay: Writer and Director
This film tells the story of Rudy, a woman who drops out of medical school when her husband is sentenced to eight years in prison. On her many trips to visit her husband in prison she begins to find herself and possibly a new love. Middle of Nowhere won the 2012 Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
The Happy Sad
Rodney Evans: Director
The Happy Sad is the tale of two couples, one black and one white, whose lives intertwine. The couples are eventually faced with their sexual identities and the definition of monogamy.
Restless City
Andrew Dosunmu: Director
Djbril is an African immigrant living in Harlem who survives on his passion for music and a job as a courier. When he meets a mysterious and vulnerable woman, Trini, he goes against all that he has been told to save her from a reckless life.
An Oversimplification of Her Beauty
Terence Nance: Writer, Director, Editor
This short film is part animation, part reality. Terence Nance takes the viewer on a roller-coaster ride through his relationships with many woman to better understand the complexities of feelings when he is stood up by a woman who he is highly interested in. Oversimplification received Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in 2012.
War Witch
Kim Nguyen: Writer and Director
War Witch is the story of 12-year-old Komona, a girl who is forced to become a child soldier. Komona’s only refuge from the horrors of her surroundings is Magician, a 15 year-old boy who wants to marry her and introduces her to an herb that cause halluecinations that warn of dangers ahead. War Witch won this years NAACP Award for Outstanding International Motion Picture.
Better Mus’ Come
Storm Saulter: Director
Better Mus’ Come is a love story set during the Cold War of Jamaica in 1977. This film shows the range of emotions and violence that plagued Jamaica during the time of political unrest and gang warfare. Better Mus’ Come has received critical acclaim and is currently streaming on Netflix.
