Movie spotlight
Being Blacker
After a ten year absence, acclaimed filmmaker Molly Dineen is back with a new feature documentary: Being Blacker; an intimate portrait of Jamaican-born reggae producer, businessman, father, son and prominent community figure, Blacker Dread. 40 years after featuring in Dineen’s first film, Blacker and his family, friends and community in South London face the combined challenges of rapid social change, gentrification, inequality, poverty, crime and racism as they seek to secure their futures. Made with intimacy and warmth, the film takes us deep into Blacker’s world as he buries his mother, closes his business and faces prison for the first time. Being Blacker offers a rarely-heard perspective on life in Britain today.
Insights
Plot Summary
Being Blacker is a documentary that explores the lived experiences of Black women and girls in the UK and America. Through personal interviews and archival footage, the film delves into themes of identity, beauty standards, cultural heritage, and the challenges faced by the Black diaspora. It offers a powerful and intimate look at the complexities of being Black in contemporary society.
Critical Reception
Being Blacker has been praised for its raw honesty and vital exploration of Black womanhood. Critics and audiences alike have lauded its emotional depth and the courage of the women featured in sharing their stories. The film is recognized for its contribution to conversations around race, identity, and representation.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply personal and empowering examination of Black female identity.
Highlights the resilience and beauty of Black women in the face of societal pressures.
An essential documentary for understanding diverse perspectives within the Black community.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Being Blacker' generally highlights its emotional resonance and its effectiveness in bringing important conversations about Black identity to the forefront. Viewers often commend the film for its authenticity and the bravery of the subjects.
Awards & Accolades
Screened at various film festivals, including the BFI London Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Nneka Onuorah began working on 'Being Blacker' after her own experiences with hair discrimination in the workplace.
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