Will there be another “Golden Age” of Black Films?

That’s a question that I tend to ask quite a bit these days.  Twenty years ago when the nineties began, there were already some prominent films by Black filmmakers like Spike Lee who I think ushered in the “golden age” that started with his film “She’s Got to Have It.”  There were numerous films that inspired a new generation of Black filmmakers (like myself) and they made successful films during that time.  Films like “House Party”, “Do the Right Thing”, “Posse” are just a few that spanned different kinds of films that showcased Black talent.

Even still, in TV, there were shows like “In Living Color” by the Wayans Brothers, and “Living Single” that had an all Black ensemble that were not trapped by stereotypes that were established in the late sixties and seventies.  Instead the characters were just as diverse, both in being serious and comedic.  There was no limit to what the new generation of Black artist could do. 

Then at the end of the nineties and a little into the 2000’s, that all changed….

Now, there are barely any Black films that hit the theaters in 2011.  The characters that are now seen on theatrically and TV are mostly supporting ones.  My question is this…”WHAT HAPPENED?!!!”  It seemed like Black artists were making strides in entertainment, and now it has almost grinded to a halt.  Is the fact that Black artists are not a draw to the box office anymore?  What gives? 

I don’t claim to be an expert on the matter, but I would like to see another “Golden Age” like the nineties take place once again.  The films out there now, you can take or leave them.  But there is always something special about a Black film that can’t be replaced. 

I don’t know.  Only time will tell…

Feelings of Dread

I was reading an article about the writer of the current version of the character written by Conan the Barbarian co-writer, Sean Hood, who was disappointed by the box office results of his latest project, Conan The Barbarian (August, John, 2011).  When he wrote about how he compared the success of his project to that of an election night when key politicians are battling for the votes from registered voters who are not in their shoes.  He that feeling of disappointment and dread when the film was released this past Friday. 

Despite pushing past the negative comments, he was still disappointed how the film performed, because that was something that he worked very hard on.  I can relate to his feelings about his film because I went through a similar experience.  My project was initially successful when it was released to home video a few years ago…for about a week.  It was nice to see it on the racks with bigger movies that came out along with it.  After about two months, I saw my film in the “bargain bin” at Blockbuster, and let’s just say my heart sank.  I was happy to get the distribution deal for my film, at the same time, I wanted more exposure so that I could get more work as a filmmaker instead of my administrative skills.  It was very frustrating to say the least, but I can understand and relate to Sean Hood. 

Now, I haven’t seen Conan, but from all of the reviews I had been reading, my heart sank because I wanted this film to succeed on so many different levels.  One, not to take away from what Schwartzenegger did with the original in 1982, I did want to see the character exposed to a new generation.  I’ve been a fan of the character ever since I could read a comic book, and when I heard that this was coming out, I got really excited about it.  

Needless to say, I felt the same way when Green Lantern came out as well earlier this summer.  I wanted that to succeed as well, but we all know what happened to that one…

Link: http://johnaugust.com/2011/what-a-flop-feels-like