THE BLACK EXPERIENCE FILM RESOURCES
THE BLACK EXPERIENCE ON FILM
A COLLECTION OF FILMS & EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
As our society confronts matters of historical and systemic racism, social justice, and inequity, many distributors, studios, and other entities are making available films and resources regarding to these issues.
The Philadelphia Film Society believes film has the power to generate awareness and empathy while stimulating change. We will continue to update this page with resources; our hope is that these resources will help raise awareness and spark conversations among viewers. At PFS, we acknowledge that we have work to do in creating an inclusive community space. We can start by amplifying voices that need to be heard.
These resources are non-exhaustive, but they are places to start.
FILMS
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) created a curated list of 100+ important films about the Black experience, click HERE for the full list and where you can currently stream the titles.
STREAMING SERVICES
THE CRITERION CHANNEL
The Criterion Channel has created a collection of films that portray and explore Black lives. From rediscovered gems by mavericks of early African American cinema like Oscar Micheaux and Spencer Williams, to independent-film landmarks by Charles Burnett and Julie Dash, to documentary portraits of black artists by white filmmakers Les Blank and Shirley Clarke, to innovative contemporary work by Khalik Allah, these films offer an invitation to reflect on the resilience and creativity of black individuals and communities in the United States and beyond. Must have a Criterion Channel account to access these titles.
DISNEY+
The Disney+ Celebrate Black Stories collection gives you endless access to all the best Celebrate Black Stories movies, and shows including; BLACK IS KING, BLACK PANTHER, HIDDEN FIGURES, and more. Must have a Disney+ account to access these titles.
HBO
HBO is amplifies Black Voices with a selection of free shows, movies and more. You can currently watch the first two episodes of WATCHMAN for free, as well as documentaries KING IN THE WILDERNESS, BALTIMORE RISING, and THE APOLLO. If you a HBOMax subscriber you can stream a large catalog of films and shows including JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE, MALCOLM X, PURPLE RAIN, and many more.
HULU
Hulu has put together a collection, Black Stories, made up of hundreds of films and series from their library including; SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, EVE’S BAYOU, DETROIT, I AM NOT YOUR NERGO, and LOVE & BASKETBALL. Must have a Hulu account to access these titles.
NETFLIX
Netflix is promoting a new “Black Lives Matter” collection to U.S. subscribers, featuring over 45 titles about racial injustice and the experience of Black Americans. Black Lives Matter collection include Spike Lee’s DA 5 BLOODS; Ava DuVernay’s 13TH and WHEN THEY SEE US; Dee Rees’ MUDBOUND; ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK; DEAR WHITE PEOPLE; and Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning MOONLIGHT. Must have a Netflix account to access these titles.
PRIME VIDEO
To honor Black History Month Prime Video put together collections that celebrate Black Joy, Black Love, Black Girl Magic and more. All titles are available to rent and/or buy with a some titles available to stream with a Prime Video account.
ONLINE LEARNING
ARRAY 101
Ava DuVernay’s production company has launched a new online learning initiative, ARRAY 101, which provides free learning guides for students to accompany TV and film productions. The first program is a supplement to DuVernay’s Netflix series, WHEN THEY SEE US. Lessons, tools, and activities are available for each episode, and designed for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of social justice and advocacy, grade 9 and above.
PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN
Pennsylvania Conference for Women launched a Resource Center for Confronting Racial Injustice webpage. Featuring speakers within the CFW community as well as external thought-leaders, these anti-racism resources have been curated and shared to amplify the voices of Black women and women of color to help us learn and take action together.
ORGANIZATIONS YOU CAN SUPPORT
BLACK LIVES MATTER PHILLY
The official Black Lives Matter chapter in Philadelphia.
Make a Donation HERE.
NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATIONAL FUND
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.
Make a Donation HERE.
PHILADELPHIA BAIL FUND
A revolving fund that posts bail for people who are indigent and cannot afford bail. Our goal is to keep families and communities together and vigorously advocate for the end to cash bail in Philadelphia.
Make a Donation HERE.
PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY BAIL FUND
The mission of the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund is to end cash bail in Philadelphia. Until that day comes, we post bail for residents of Philadelphia who cannot afford to pay for their freedom.
Make a Donation HERE.
YOUTH ART & SELF-EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
The Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP) is building a youth-led movement to end the practice of trying and incarcerating young people as adults. Through its work in the Philadelphia jails, YASP provides space for incarcerated young people to express themselves creatively and to develop as leaders both within and beyond the prison walls. Young people who have been through the adult court system are at the forefront of YASP, leading the movement to keep young people out of adult prisons and to create new possibilities for youth around the city.
Make a Donation HERE.