Illustoria Week of Action Day 6: Film Recommendations
Welcome to day 6 in our week of action, a campaign created in solidarity with communities around the globe seeking justice for black lives cut short by acts of hate.
At Illustoria we think it is vital to educate ourselves and our children about the deeply ingrained racism that plagues our country and our world. We also know how important it is to amplify the black voices that have historically combatted erasure. If we all do our part to listen and educate, we can work together to dismantle institutionalized racism.
That being said, we also know it’s hard to navigate difficult conversations about race and police brutality with our perceptive little ones. How do we simultaneously educate our children about the inequality that exists in the world, while still preserving their hope for change? These are challenging discussions to have, but incredibly crucial ones.
We hope to help open the doors to these conversations with these six family-friendly films about the black experience. These films range in theme, from the generational love that exists in the simple act of styling one's hair, to police profiling and brutality, and to the perseverance of family. These films all have something in common though. They shine with a reverence for black beauty, and sing with the promise of hope.
The Hate U Give, directed by George Tillman Jr.
Released 2018
A young girl comes of age on the precipice of two worlds, her poor black neighborhood and her wealthy white prep school. After the trauma of witnessing a fatal act of police brutality, she must find her voice and fight for justice. Based on the award winning young adult fiction novel, The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas which is a must-read. Rated PG-13. Streaming on Hulu.
Hair Love, directed by Matthew A. Cherry and Bruce W. Smith
Released 2019
An acclaimed animated short in which a little girl and her father learn how to style her hair with the help of an instructional video narrated by her mother. The story is joyful, tender, and beloved by kids and grownups alike. Based on the picture book Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison which is also a must read. Rated G. Streaming free on Youtube.
Quest, directed by Jonathan Olshefski
Released 2017
A documentary filmed with vérité intimacy over nearly a decade, Quest follows the struggles and successes of an American family in North Philadelphia, nurturing artists in their basement studio. An epic testament to community, love, and healing. Not Rated. Rent from your local library or the film’s website.
Ballerina's Tale, directed by Nelson George
Released 2015
Misty Copelan made history as the first black woman to be named principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Watch how she braved a tumultuous upbringing and career ending injuries to become one of the most revered dancers of her generation. An inspirational success story for all ages. Not rated. Available to stream on Itunes.
Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi
Released 2017
The story of three brilliant black women at NASA, providing the brains behind the launch of an astronaut into orbit, the operation that turned the space race and galvanized the world. Based on the book Hidden Figures: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women who Helped Launch Our Nation Into Space by Margot Lee Shetterly which is a must read. Rated PG. Available to stream on Itunes.
Malcolm X, directed by Spike Lee
Released 1992
A tribute to the influential leader and advocate for black liberation. The complicated and compelling story of a man climbing from rock bottom, to spiritual salvation, to a fight for liberation, leaving a legacy of power and pride. Rated PG13. Streaming on Netflix.
We’ve created this list of film recommendations as part of our week long campaign, #illustoriaweekofaction, in solidarity with communities around the globe seeking justice for black lives cut short by atrocious acts of hate. Illustoria is committed to fighting racism and listening to the unheard. We hope you will join us in remembering the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, Tony McDade and all of the black lives we’ve lost.