Synopsis: Inspired by the book from historian Donald Bogle, this four-part docuseries, directed by Justin Simien, chronicles a century of the Black experience in Hollywood. By unearthing personal stories from actors, writers, directors, and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera and on the screen, the series provides a critical reexamination of a quintessentially American story—in brilliant color. (Courtesy MGM+, 2024)
The Cast:
Justin Simien,
W. Kamau Bell
Steven Caple, Jr.
Ryan Coogler
Ava DuVernay
Gina Prince-Bythewood
Issa Rae
LaKeith Stanfield
Gabrielle Union
Lena Waithe
Forest Whitaker
The Cast:
Executive producers: Culture Machine’s Justin Simien and Kyle Laursen, Significant Productions’ Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, and RadicalMedia’s Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss, Jon Kamen, and Jeffrey Swartz
Directed by: Justin Simien
The Episodes:
1-01 Built On Our Backs--08/11/2024
From the silent era to the late 1960s, an emboldened generation of Black actors and directors make films that counter denigrating imagery of Black people and forever change Hollywood’s perception of Black storytellers.
1-02 The Defiant Ones--08/18/2024
Following the unrest of the 1960s, Black filmmakers look to celebrate Black culture on screen. As Hollywood begins to see dollar signs, Black actors and directors try to maintain their dignity without selling out.
1-03 The Price Of Admission--08/25/2024
In the 1990s, a new generation of Black filmmakers and megastars are embraced by the studio system. Yet independent and female filmmakers who diverge from mainstream portrayals of Black life still struggle for recognition.
1-04 Dear Black People--09/01/2024
After the election of President Barack Obama, Hollywood offers Black filmmakers more opportunities than ever. From Selma to Get Out to Black Panther, Black filmmakers embrace new genres to critical and commercial success.
