Reflections on Black History: Exploring our past, envisioning our future and creating community through film
For this Black History Month, the Banner reached out to members of our community and asked them to share their thoughts and feelings about our Black history and culture. We think you will find their responses as inspirational as we did. — Ronald Mitchell, Publisher and Editor, Bay State Banner
Exploring our past, envisioning our future and creating community through film
by Lisa Simmons
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the rich, diverse and powerful stories that have shaped and continue to shape our culture, history and future. At ROXFILM, we revel in the strength, resilience and creativity of our ROXFILM family and beyond as they continue to amplify voices that have been overlooked or underrepresented.
Independent film allows for creative freedom, explores unique stories and shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices and perspectives that push the boundaries of the medium. Most importantly, it tackles timely social issues that reflect on real-life experiences and fosters important conversations.
Through film, we are able to tell authentic stories, explore our past and envision a future that reflects and encompasses all of who we are. This month we honor the work of independent filmmakers who are bringing life to our histories and setting the stage for our future. Their stories teach us of unknown heroes, buried histories and challenging times.
Film has a way of creating community, offering an opportunity to come together to learn, laugh and even cry. This creation of community is especially important at this time in our nation’s history. We cannot let our stories die or be buried. We must make a commitment to capture these stories by any means necessary, from family members, from hidden histories, and from conversations around the table. The storytelling process helps us understand that we are part of the history of this nation, that our contributions are many and mighty and that in celebrating this history we uplift each other, especially during these times of uncertainty.
From the early pioneers like Oscar Micheaux, who broke barriers as one of the first African American filmmakers, to the modern-day innovators and independent filmmakers of our day, film has always been a powerful medium for cultural expressions for Black filmmakers. It has been a way to challenge stereotypes, share untold stories and create a legacy of art that reflects the rich diversity of the African diaspora.
Beyond the screen, they have historically used their work to foster change and engage community. From the activist spirit of films like “Eve’s Bayou” to “Eyes on the Prize” to the cultural relevance of films like “Black Panther,” filmmakers use this medium as a call to action. We encourage you to explore not only these films but many others that inspire conversations about justice, equality and the future of Black people both in cinema and in society.
While we celebrate the accomplishments of the work of these filmmakers and the way their stories have enriched the fabric of cinema, we must also acknowledge that the work is far from finished. The industry still has a long way to go in terms of representation, equitable opportunities and breaking down barriers that limit the voices of Black creators.
So, as we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that Black stories are not confined to just one month but are ongoing. These stories are lived every day, through triumphs and challenges, through art and activism, through our collective commitment to a better, more inclusive world. At ROXFILM, we are proud to be part of the ecosystem that nurtures and elevates independent filmmakers of color, and we invite you to join us in celebrating the work by encouraging people to share their stories, attending a screening, supporting filmmakers financially and participating in conversations. Together, let’s continue to honor Black history through the stories that inspire us by creating and supporting spaces for these storytellers to thrive both on screen and beyond.
Lisa Simmons is artistic/executive director of The Roxbury International Film Festival and president/founder of The Color of Film Collaborative, Inc.
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