Black History Month: Here's what to stream on Netflix
Netflix has marked Black History Month with a collection celebrating Black British voices both on- and off-screen
Last updated 6th Oct 2020
October marks Black History Month in the United Kingdom and to celebrate this year, Netflix has curated a special collection of films and TV shows that acknowledge the Black British experience. Called Black British Stories, the series honours ‘Black British voices behind and in front of the screen, characters old and new, and stories that have influenced an industry.’
With several titles available to stream now and more being released throughout the month, viewers can revisit classics like Chewing Gum and Desmond’s and get to know new favourites such as Rocks and The Boy That Harnessed The Wind. Laugh your heart out with Gina Yashere: Skinny B*tch and feel inspired by the new generation’s activists with Generation Revolution.
With films based on true stories (A United Kingdom) to horror films that you’ll need to the leave the lights on for (His House), there’s something for everyone.
Here’s the best of what to stream on Netflix to celebrate Black History Month 2020:
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Based on a true story, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind sees 13-year-old William Kamkwamba thrown out of school after his family can no longer afford the fees. Determined to continue his education, he sneaks into the library and teach himself how to build a windmill, saving his village from a famine in the process. Now streaming
Top Boy
This drama explores the tensions between the drug gangs that operate in the housing estates of East London. It follows Dushane, a twentysomething drug dealer determined to become the area's Top Boy and Ra/Nell, a teenager forced to grow up quickly after his mother's breakdown and absence. Now streaming
Chewing Gum
I May Destroy You's Michaela Coel stars in this comedy about 24-year-old Tracey Gorgon, who was raised in a strict religious family and has now decided to lose her virginity. Now streaming
They've Gotta Have Us
This docuseries charts the rise of black actors from being the backdrop to calling the shots with candid recollections from Debbie Allen, Harry Belafonte, John Boyega and more. Now streaming
Gina Yashere: Skinny B*tch
Gina Yashere, standup comedian and Daily Show correspondent, performs a sharp set of observations on the environment, money and more. Now streaming
Rocks
Olushola, or 'Rocks' to her friends, is forced to protect and provide for her younger brother after their mother abandons them. Now streaming
Gone Too Far!
Spend the day with two estranged teenage brothers who meet for the first time ever and struggle to accept each other. Now streaming
Generation Revolution
This powerful documentary follows London's new generation of activists of colour as they fight against oppression and injustice motivated by their desire for a more equal future. Now streaming
Tucked
Jackie, an 80-year-old drag queen with a terminal illness, begins an unlikely friendship with a younger queen as the two struggles through their own battles with gender identity and mortality. Now streaming
A United Kingdom
Based on the real-life romance of Prince Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, A United Kingdom sees the prince return to Bechuanaland, where he is to ascend to the throne, with his new wife — a white woman from South London. Now streaming
White Teeth
Based on Zadie Smith's award-winning novel, White Teeth sees three diverse London families over a span of several decades at their lives become more and more intertwined. Now streaming
Entitled
Fantasy documentary Entitled takes a fresh look at the experience of first-generation immigrants. Now streaming
Desmond's
Desmond's, the classic sitcom from the late 80s and early 90s', focuses on Desmond Ambrose and his barbershop in Peckham that acts as the hub of the neighbourhood's social scene. From 8 October
Babylon
This satirical drama takes a fresh look at the politics and publicity of London's police force. From 15 October
His House
Horror fans will enjoy this film following a refugee couple from South Sudan as they attempt to start over in an English town, only to be tormented by an evil force in their new home. From 30 October
This article originally appeared on Grazia.
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