Who Controls the Screen? The Undeniable Influence of Black Culture and the Future of Cinema
By Cece Lowry
From minstrelsy to blaxploitation and beyond, Black culture has been a driving force in cinema. Yet the question remains: whose stories are truly being told? Justin Simien’s adaptation of Donald Bogle’s seminal work, Hollywood Black, confronts this issue directly, urging us to rethink cinema's direction in an era where blockbuster films struggle while streaming platforms overflow with content but often lack substance.
In today's media-saturated world, cinema occupies a critical space. Will it evolve or risk irrelevance by adhering to outdated narratives?
Cinema as a Cultural Archive
We live in a time where visual media dominates our perception of history, politics, and culture. Film, television, and social media are today's archives, the texts future generations will use to understand us. As Justin Simien’s Tribeca-premiered work reminds us, "whoever controls the story, controls the narrative." His adaptation of Bogle’s book asks a vital question: Is Black culture fully embraced, or is it still a tool for box office gains without shifting the narrative focus?
Black Culture: The Backbone of Cinema
Black culture has long been central to cinema’s survival. From Bert Williams’ tragicomic performances in the early 1900s to the blaxploitation wave of the 1970s, Black stories and faces on screen have driven revenue — often while perpetuating harmful stereotypes. A quintessential example is Shaft (1971), which not only saved MGM Studios from bankruptcy but also proved that Black-centered films could smash box office records.
Blaxploitation cinema alone contributed to a significant cultural shift, turning Black heroes into box office successes. At a time when MGM was on the brink, it was a Black film that saved the day. Beyond profitability, these films reflected an audience hungry for a different kind of narrative — one that defied mainstream conventions.
What Hollywood Still Doesn’t Understand
Despite decades of relying on Black culture, Hollywood’s understanding of it remains narrow. Audiences are increasingly drawn to nuanced, complex narratives, yet Black characters are still often cast as comic relief or placed in the background. The success of films like Bottoms and Moonlight — both of which center Black experiences — challenges Hollywood's default white-centered storytelling. However, these films remain exceptions.
What’s missing? The freedom for Black filmmakers, actors, and writers to tell their stories without the pressure to cater to a predominantly white audience. Black cinema, more often than not, is crafted through the white gaze, intended to make white viewers comfortable rather than push them to confront uncomfortable truths.
Simien’s adaptation of Hollywood Black invites us to imagine the untold stories. Where are the films that center Black women and queer Black voices? Why do so many Black narratives end in violence or tragedy?
The Future of Cinema: Where Black Stories Lead
The future of cinema lies in diversity, queerness, complexity, and unpredictability. Films like Bad Boys Ride or Die (2024) prove that audiences crave representation on screen. With a global box office total of $180 million, the film not only continued its franchise's success but also highlighted the commercial viability of Black-led narratives (Prodpro Report). Yet, Hollywood executives remain hesitant to fully embrace diverse stories. The Q2 2024 Global Production Report emphasized the growing gap between what’s produced and the audience’s demand for greater inclusivity (Prodpro Report).
To thrive, cinema must reflect the richness and diversity of the world it portrays. Black superheroes, communities, and experiences need to be at the forefront, not relegated to secondary roles or token representation.
A Call to Action: Let Black Stories Lead
Sparks of hope exist. Spike Lee continues to push boundaries, and stars like Ayo Edebiri are bringing fresh perspectives. However, more work is needed. Hollywood needs to place Black stories at its center, not just include them for diversity’s sake. Black stories have long driven cinema’s innovation, revenue, and relevance — it’s time they lead.
Closing Thoughts: A New Era for Cinema
Black culture is key to reviving a struggling film industry. But it will only work if Hollywood loosens its grip on who controls the narrative. As Simien’s Hollywood Black reminds us, the future of cinema depends on embracing the full spectrum of human experience. Without this shift, the industry risks fading into irrelevance.
In a world overflowing with content, Black cinema is not just another option — it’s the lifeline that will keep the art form resonant for generations to come.