Header photo courtesy of Miss Juneteenth / Vertical Entertainment
2021 PICKS
The Underground Railroad
Out now on Amazon Prime Video
Director: Barry Jenkins
Studio: Amazon Studios
About: A young woman named Cora (Thuso Mbedu) makes an amazing discovery during her attempt to break free from slavery in the deep south.
Judas and the Black Messiah
Out now on HBO Max
Director: Shaka King
Prod. Co: MACRO
Studio: Warner Bros.
About: Offered a plea deal by the FBI, William O'Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya).
"Sixteen Thousand Dollars"
Out now on FREE THE WORK
Director: Symone Baptiste
About: A struggling Black college grad wakes up to find that reparations have finally been paid to descendants of slaves in America. With this new found capital, he will decide how best to spend his reparations, totaling a mere $16,000.
Pride – 1970s: The Vanguard of Struggle
Out now on Hulu
Director: Cheryl Dunye
About: In this personal journey, Cheryl Dunye interweaves archival footage, personal testimonies and interviews to show how the 1970s helped forge a national movement, from the first Gay Pride march, to the rise of artists like filmmaker Barbara Hammer and poet Audre Lorde, to the confrontation of intersectional feminism and the backlash and opposition from the religious right
"Revolt News: The Juneteenth Town Hall & Celebration" (Special)
Premiering on Revolt TV and Vice TV June 19th
Studios: Revolt, Vice
About: The Juneteenth Town Hall & Celebration will encourage young changemakers to exercise their political rights and benefit future generations. The special will feature conversations and musical performances from Earthgang, Tristan Mack Wilds, Van Lathan, Tiara Thomas, Kiana Ledé and a report from Vice News Correspondent Dexter Thomas.
For more Juneteenth programming, head to Deadline's roundup here.
2020 PICKS
Miss Juneteenth
Out now on VOD
Director: Channing Godfrey Peoples
Studio: Vertical Entertainment
About: Starring Nicole Beharie and Kendrick Sampson, the Sundance 2020 selection Miss Juneteenth follows Turquoise Jones, a single mom who, among holding raising a teenager and holding down a BBQ joint, is also a beauty queen, once crowned as Miss Juneteenth. While Turquoise's life took its turns, she's determined to create a different life for her daughter Kai by pushing her to win the same crown, even if Kai has other plans.
"Boxed"
Find latest screenings here
Director: Wanjiru Njendu
Studio: Magic Works Production
About: A passion project by director Wanjiru Njendu, Boxed is fictionalized psychological thriller short film based on the true story of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom in 1849. The film stars Adetokumboh M'Cormack and Peres Owino.
(In)visible Portraits
Out now in discovery+ via Amazon Prime Video
Director: Oge Egbuonu
About: “A love letter to Black women,” (In)Visible Portraits is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the historical oppression of Black women in America, and celebrates their strength and perseverance throughout the years. Featuring Black women from all walks of life, the doc reframes the old narrative, allowing the women to tell their own story.
Sherman’s Showcase “Black History Month Spectacular” (TV Variety Show)
Out on AMC and IFC
Creators: Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle
Network: IFC
About: The “Black History Month Spectacular” is exactly what it sounds like. From superheroes and vampires to past and present Black icons, the spectacular touches on all corners of culture in one big extravaganza—complete with a special re-imagining of the cult film The Last Dragon on deck. Guest stars include John Legend, Michael Ealy, Jemele Hill, Lil Rel, and more.
Da 5 Bloods
Out now on Netflix
Director: Spike Lee
Studio: 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks / Netflix
About: Four African American vets (Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, and Isaiah Whitlock Jr.) go on an epic return voyage to Vietnam seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the hidden treasure he helped them hide.
