The History & Evolution of Black Horror Movies | Beyond the Scenes
Oct 23, 2023
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A discussion on the history and evolution of Black horror movies with guests including a Daily Show writer, a filmmaker, an author, and an educator. They explore personal fears, representation, and the significance of Black horror in reflecting black life and culture. The chapter also highlights the struggle for black representation in the film industry and insulting deaths in horror movies. Overall, they discuss the growth of the genre and the increasing presence of women in the industry.
The genre of Black horror has evolved to explore a range of themes beyond racism, including class and personal demons, reflecting the complexities of black life and culture.
Black horror is breaking free from traditional tropes and stereotypes, with the support of black creators like Jordan Peele and Nia DaCosta leading the way in diversifying the stories being told and opening doors for marginalized creators.
Deep dives
Black Horror: A Genre on the Rise
Black horror is experiencing a resurgence, with more black creators and stories taking center stage. The genre is no longer solely focused on racism, but instead explores a range of themes, from class to personal demons. Black horror films have the power to entertain, scare, and examine the complexities of black life and culture. Black creators like Jordan Peele and Nia DaCosta are leading the charge, opening doors for other marginalized creators. The future of black horror lies in diversifying the stories being told, moving away from tropes and stereotypes, and exploring new avenues of fear and entertainment.
The Evolution of Black Horror
Black horror has come a long way in terms of representation and storytelling. Jordan Peele's groundbreaking film 'Get Out' challenged traditional horror tropes and brought racism to the forefront. Women are also playing a pivotal role in the genre, with more visibility and opportunities for female directors and creators. Black horror is no longer solely defined by racism, but encompasses a range of themes and narratives that reflect the depth and diversity of black experiences. As the genre continues to evolve, it is crucial to support and uplift black voices in horror.
The Future of Black Horror
The future of black horror lies in inclusivity, expanding the stories being told, and opening doors for new voices to emerge. Representation behind the scenes is key, with more black directors, producers, and executive producers needed to ensure authentic and diverse storytelling. The focus should shift away from trauma porn and explore a wider range of themes and narratives. Black horror should entertain, scare, and engage with audiences while celebrating black culture and experiences. Creating opportunities and supporting up-and-coming black creators is essential for the continued growth and success of the genre.
Challenging Tropes in Black Horror
One of the main challenges in black horror is overcoming tired and racist tropes that have been perpetuated in the past. Black characters should not be limited to sacrificial or magical roles, and black deaths in horror movies should not be played for laughs. Moving away from these harmful portrayals will allow for more nuanced and authentic storytelling. Black horror has the power to explore a range of emotions and experiences, not solely defined by racism. By challenging these tropes and stereotypes, black horror can continue to evolve into a genre that is inclusive, entertaining, and thought-provoking.
What is the movie genre known as Black horror and how has the Black experience been portrayed over time in these films? Daily Show writer Ashton Womack, filmmaker and executive producer of Shudder’s "Horror Noire" documentary, Tananarive Due, author and screenwriter Steven Barnes, and author and educator Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman join Roy Wood Jr. to discuss the history and evolution of Black representation in film, specifically in the genre of Black horror.