I've been wrapped up in a whirlwind of imaginative ideas and concepts, and I have been writing each one down this past week. I took a day to watch all my favorite Black films throughout the week, and a bubble popped up above my head, where I randomly started curating a list of Black stories, historical moments, or eras that I would love to see on the big screen. I even started thinking about who would play who, just because that’s typical Kamory behavior. Always drafting together ideas and conceptual stories in my brain—even when I am working. This brain never shuts off. It has it’s pros and cons. So here, are some ideas I have.
The Harlem Renaissance
I cannot believe that this has not been created yet. This era was so timeless, not only because of the art that it created, but also because of the Great Migration and the submersion of diverse cultures and traditions throughout the African diaspora that added to New York City and Harlem’s melting pot that we have today. I am a geek, so I printed out so many of the newspapers from that time—just to place myself in that era and see what they were doing. Surprisingly, some of those conversations in those newspapers and journals were the same as the Black Twitter takes we run across to this day. There were also pieces describing the scenery of Harlem as bright, vibrant, and anything BUT boring. Everything was romanticized, including the not so pretty moments. The drug addicts were looked at with adoration for the spice and entertainment they added in the Harlem streets, the hoodoo priestesses were written as powerful and regal despite people’s reservations towards our mother religion, and the speak-easies were also another essential part of Harlem—embracing sexuality, LGBT+ artists/creatives, while also playing a pivotal role in jazz music.
Harlem was Black joy. Black escape. Black fashion. Black creativity.
Even in spite of hardship and racism, we were thriving and creating works outside of trauma. It was an era that showed people all across the world that we were in fact, humans. Humans with big, bright imaginations. Humans with eclectic, animated personalities. Humans with culture, brains, and intellect.
Some of the most prominent figures during this time were Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Wallace Thurman, Alaine Locke, Claude McKay, and Bessie Smith. If I had to cast? Nicole Beharie would play Zora Neale Hurston. Zora was just so dynamic, larger than life, and took up space in every room she graced with her presence. She was witty, charming, and unapologetic, and Nicole would add just the right amount of spice.
Giancarlo Esposito would be the perfect Alain Locke. He would give us the perfect star- studded performance, and they look pretty similar to me. Colman Domingo would make for the perfect Wallace Thurman, Andre Holland as Langston Hughes, and then Viola Davis as Bessie Smith. Can you imagine?
Voodoo/Hoodoo Origins
Despite the demonization in the media painting this religion as “witchcraft,” “satanic," and “evil,” this was one of our mother religions before we were enslaved. Despite tons of research out there that debunk so many of the myths surrounding it, Black people fail to educate themselves on the religion’s true nature and instead rely on racist tropes and stereotypes to further push a racist agenda toward those in our community who practice it. There has been so many stories about voodoo/hoodoo and how powerful it is. In fact, during the Haitian Revolution, many Haitians relied on voodoo to win the war. There are also stories about New Orlean’s head hoodoo priestess, Marie Laveaux, who would provide hoodoo services for both the rich and poor, Black and white. Legend has it that she used her magical skills to change the weather during a public lynching that was going on in Congo Square.
I’d love to have a movie that truly taps into the origin of voodoo/hood, as well as the intricacies and power it has. I would love a movie that acts as a love letter to the religion and all of its priests/priestesses-- challenging the negative connotation associated with it. I believe exploring the creation of hoodoo, the byproduct of voodoo and Christianity— as well as how it shows up in Black churches would also be great to add in.
African Mythology
Okay, so I know that Ryan Coogler would eat this film idea UP. Especially since he is already familiar with producing and directing movies in the Superhero world. Though African Orishas are not superheroes per se, plenty of superhero movies do pull inspiration from not only Greek Mythology, but African Mythology as well. I’d love to see a Black led film that walks viewers through the enchanting world of Ife, introducing us to several deities such as Oshun, Yemaya, Obatala, Orunmila, and more. I could see a range of actors and actresses in a film like this. Trevante Rhodes, Lakeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaaluya, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Regina King. This could **possibly** give Marvel a run for their money with strong storytelling and visuals.
Chicago House Music
Why do y'all always try giving credit to Detroit and New York when it comes to house music? Because Chicago is where it all began. It was invented primarily by Black people, along with those in the LGBT+ Black community. I recently watched a documentary on it, ‘I Was There When House Took Over The World’, that dives into the origins of it and gives some background of Frankie Knuckles, the Godfather of House Music. I think a movie would do it justice— exploring the genre’s rise and it’s impact on music.
These were just a few ideas I had. What movies would you like to see on the big screen?
I’ve been saying it for years we a huge trilogy like lord of the rings something epic just us have you ever read the lions blood series by Steven barns probably the hardest book ever written in science fiction no black people ever talk about