Films and TV to watch this Black History Month
Picked from a wide range of black voices
Last updated 8th Oct 2021
At the heart of Black History Month is the ongoing process of learning. Learning about the past in order to better inform the present and to help shape the future.
All these titles share something in common; the stories they tell come from a place where the lived black experience is pivotal to how they pan out. And whilst focus seems to annually fall on the harrowing history of crimes such as slavery, highlighting how black people have flourished in the face of adversity is just as important in shaping narratives and bringing about substantial change.
Ranging from feature films to documentaries and TV series, this selection informs, inquires and entertains. Picked from a wide range of black voices, the sum of the stories told has the perfect amount of depth and breadth to cover your Black History Month viewing this October.
Small Axe
Acclaimed Black British director Steve McQueen’s anthology series spotlights the West Indian community of London between the 60s and 80s. Star names such as Letitia Wright and John Boyega adorn the weight of the figures they depict. The six-part period collection paints a colourful picture of the Black experience, treating each story with nuance and an intimacy that was often absent from the institutions they interacted with. Key figures in Black British history such as physician Altheia Jones-LeCointe and campaigner Darcus Howe are portrayed candidly, as McQueen takes the audience through a journey of protest and joy from Notting Hill to Brixton and between.
Watch on: BBC iPlayer
Judas and the Black Messiah
Based on the infamous true story of Fred Hampton, former Chairman of the Illinois Black Panthers Party and FBI informant William O’Neal, this gripping Shaka King drama is a must watch. LaKeith Stanfield stars as O’Neal, a petty criminal who makes a deal with an FBI agent to infiltrate the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, chaired by the charismatic Fred Hampton. Daniel Kaluuya’s performance as the influential leader has received acclaim, earning him an Academy Award and a BAFTA amongst other accolades.
Watch on: Amazon Prime Video/ NOW TV
WATCH: Daniel Kaluuya Answers The Internet
Summer of Soul (...or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised)
Esteemed musicman Questlove makes his directorial debut with this investigation of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Remembered by many as the ‘Black Woodstock’, the festival was held in both the same month and city as it’s more recognised counterpart. Monumental performances from household names like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Gladys Knight are brought to life for the first time in this vivid celebration of black arts and community.
Watch on: Disney +/Netflix
Naomi Osaka
A miniseries giving an intimate insight into the life and tennis career of four-time Grand Slam winner, Naomi Osaka. The documentary captures the challenges she has faced so far in her career, her motivations and the dynamic between her Haitian and Japanese dual heritage. Directed by Garrett Bradley, the first black woman to win the Sundance US Documentary
Directing Award, Osaka’s public support of the Black Lives Matter movement is explored in detail.
Watch on: Netflix
Highlife
Launched during Channel 4’s ‘Black to Front’ day, this documentary-style reality show follows the lives of a group of high-flying Black Brits with West African heritage. We see the cast navigate their friendships, relationships and careers whilst juggling traditional family expectations in a way that feels totally relatable. From esteemed makeup artists to high end jewellers, the everyday lives of the cast members are documented in a way that feels familiar yet unique given the lack of representation in this genre of television.
Watch on: All4 Watch the trailer here
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
The spellbinding Octavia Spencer, stars in this account of one of America’s first female self-made millionaires. The limited drama series outlines the work of C.J. Walker, as she builds her black hair care empire whilst dealing with poverty, rivalries and family affairs. A story highlighting the entrepreneurship of America’s wealthiest black businesswoman at the time, Self Made is a warm and thoroughly entertaining watch.
Watch on: Netflix
Hair Power: Me and My Afro
Taking the haircare mantle in this specially commissioned film is author and broadcaster, Emma Dabiri, who explores the intricate link between hair and identity for Black Brits. Delving into the science behind afro hair care products and the intimacy of regimes passed down throughout generations, Dabiri ushers a dialogue that proves to be both affirming and educational.
Watch on: All4
Mo Gilligan: Black British and Funny
Black comedians in the UK are rarely seen on the typical mediums most would associate with the craft, Mo Gilligan sets out to seek the answers as to why in this Black History Month special. The internet and TV personality calls on pioneers of the Black Comedy circuit, as well as newcomers like himself to celebrate the culture and to confront issues of representation and access.
Watch on: All4
WATCH: Mo Gilligan + Friends: The Black British Takeover' sounds like it's going to be EPIC! 🤩
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
George C. Wolfe’s adaptation of the 1982 play of the same name sees Viola Davis portray the trailblazing titular character in this musical drama. Set over the course of a single recording session, Davis is supported by the late Chadwick Boseman in paying tribute to the ‘Mother of the Blues’, whose role was paramount in bringing the black female experience to the forefront of popular music.
Watch on: Netflix
The Harder They Fall
Chipping away at the predominantly-white narrative of the Western genre, director Jeymes Samuel offers an explosive education in the African American Old West experience. Enlisting Jonathan Majors to depict Nat Love, a former slave and famed black cowboy, Samuels takes creative licence in bringing this compelling story to life. Armed with an all-black ensemble cast including Idris Elba and Regina King, this tale provides a much needed alternative perspective.
Watch on: Cinema from 22 October/ Netflix from 2 November
Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell
With much of the content released about the late Brooklyn wordsmith focusing on his rap feuds and mysterious murder, director Emmett Malloy attempts a more intimate approach, making use of rare footage filmed by Biggie’s closest friend, Damion ‘D-Roc’ Butler. The rapper’s rise to fame in the music industry is already well-documented, but in revealing another layer to the story through his community interactions, this documentary is essential viewing for every Biggie fan.
Watch on: Netflix
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Hidden Figures
The stellar trio of Octavia Spencer, Tarahi P. Henson and Janelle Monae pay tribute to the three female African American mathematicians who played a pivotal role in the space race. Katherine Jonson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, the three ‘hidden figures’ behind the USA’s 1961 space launch face are tested and tried throughout, keeping their resolve through it all. It’s a hugely heartwarming tale that shines a light on three women history failed to acknowledge the first time round.
Watch on: Disney+
Huey Morgan’s Latin Music Adventure
Musician and Radio DJ Morgan takes us on a joyful ride throughout Latin America. As the New Yorker frolics between Brazil, Cuba and Puerto Rico, he offers an education in the African roots of the popular styles of music produced by these countries. Aided by the black ancestors of those responsible for importing these rhythms to American shores, a light is shone on the impact African music has had on these communities and the world at large.
Watch on: YouTube
Queen of Katwe
Based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, one of Uganda’s first and most successful titled female chess players, this biographical drama has all the elements of a classic feel-good family flick. Madina Nalwanga makes a powerful debut alongside powerhouse names of Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo as child prodigy Phiona blazes the trail, using her skills to take her where no woman before her had gone.
Watch on: Disney+
Unremembered: Britain’s Forgotten War Heroes
David Lammy MP seeks answers for the hundreds of thousands of Africans who died serving Britain during the First World War and were denied individual graves. The devastating documentary follows Lammy to a Kenyan burial ground, where white British servicemen who lost their lives in the region are individually remembered. Candid conversations with affected people reveal to him the extent that colonial rule effectively rubbed African servicemen and women out of history.
Watch on: All4 Watch the trailer here
KISS Presenters open up about what Black History Month means to them:
Tyler West - KISS Presenter
"Does Black History Month feel different in 2021? If so how?"
It feels different because we've had so much time in the last year to reflect. It feels like as the world opened back up, so has thoughts and conversations that needed to be happening 🖤
"What impact has black culture had on your life?"
Black culture is the everyday. Whether it be the music, the food, or any of the blessings we experience every day, it's in my DNA. It makes you so open to the idea "there's more to this life" you just need to let it in.
"Who do you want to CELEBRATE this Black History Month? And why?"
I want to celebrate my close ones. The ones who have spoken up and helped raise awareness when there's no one around, the ones who take time to educate and understand but also appreciate black history month the same as I do.
Kaylee Golding - KISS Fresh Presenter
"Does Black History Month feel different in 2021? If so how?"
I think many people and companies were emotionally charged by the horrific murder of George Floyd last year, and that inspired many people to get involved in Black History Month. Now over a year on, it can feel like people have forgotten that black lives still matter, and we need the same energy for Black History Month 2021 as we did in 2021. So I really urge people to continue to celebrate our black heroes, continue to educate themselves and those around them, and most importantly to continue to conversation on equality!
"What impact has black culture had on your life?"
It's very easy for me to say I'm half black so of course, black culture impacts my life that way. But realistically, even if I had no black descent at all black culture would still impact me. Like first off, the Windrush generation helped to rebuild this country. Without that, we have no idea what the UK would have looked like. Black culture has influenced music so heavily. Of course, I love black music, from rap to RnB, to afro-beats to dancehall. But even if that wasn't my music preference, black culture has had an influence on so many genres such as dance and pop music. And finally, I don't think I could go a week without having some form of Caribbean food. For me, it really is the best. I am so proud that to have black heritage.
"Who do you want to CELEBRATE this Black History Month? And why?"
I want to celebrate Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah also known as Lady Phyll. She is the co-founder of UK Black Pride. And black pride is an event that I am able to celebrate both my sexuality and my ethnicity. It's easy for people to think they have to be celebrated separately when they really don't and Lady Phyll showed us that! I think with black history month we focus on US icons, which is great but we also need to celebrate our black UK icons, that are putting in the work RIGHT NOW. And Lady Phyll has provided a safe place for thousands of Black British LGBTQ+ people here in the UK.
Daisy Maskell - KISS Fresh Breakfast Presenter
"What impact has black culture had on your life?"
I think people are finally starting to realise the importance of educating and celebrating black history all year round as opposed to just doing so throughout the month of October. We have taken so much from black culture and benefitted from it in so many ways, it's about time we recognise this and start to give back.
Read more:
Beyoncé's most inspiring quotes from empowering women to celebrating people of colour
Watch back as Tyler West discusses racism with his dad for Black History Month