8 films and series you can watch to understand the Black Lives Matter movement

Add these titles to your watch list to gain a deeper understanding of the movement,

We often hear or come across the Black Lives Matter movement on social media but know little about the struggles and obstacles black individuals have faced in the past and continue to go through. Here is a list of some films and series that take a realistic look at the lives they lead and how they navigate through injustice in all walks of life.

Add these titles to your watch list to better understand the movement:

1. When They See Us

This is a true-crime mini-series available on Netflix. The series takes a look into the 1989 case that convicted five black teens of raping and killing a white woman in Central Park. The show tackles the matter with sensitivity while portraying the harsh truth behind the incident. It takes us through the coerced confessions, NYPD’s need to pin the crime on innocent minors and the impact this had on their personal and family life. The series gives us an insight into the injustices these youngsters faced and how the judicial system failed them.

2. If Beale Street Could Talk

This award-winning film is about a young black couple trying to pave a path for themselves in New York City in the 1970s. Although a romantic movie, it does not fail to shed light on systemic injustice. Throughout the film, the couple must ask themselves some tough questions and deal with trauma, as an innocent man is jailed on account of rape allegations.

3. The Hate U Give

The film focuses on ‘the talk’ that takes place in every black household at some point or the other. This talk is not about the birds and the bees but about racial injustice. It usually consists of elders talking to youngsters about staying on the right side of the law and not giving law enforcement an excuse to take action against them. The film deals with police brutality and its aftermath in the community.

4. Fruitvale Station

This is a film based on a true story. It revolves around Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old, and what the last day of his life looked like. He was shot on New Year’s Eve in 2009 by a police officer. The film makes the audience question police brutality and whether it is justified if the victim has a criminal past.

5. Dear White People

This series follows a group of black students who go to Winchester University. This Ivy League college has predominantly white students and those of colour are forced to navigate through social injustice, cultural bias and misguided activism. The series uses irony, honesty and humour to highlight important issues in today’s modern world.

6. Blackish

This show revolves around a man and his wife, who try to understand their cultural identity while raising their children in a predominantly white neighbourhood. Although the series is a comedy, it tackles some pressing issues. It deals with police brutality and racial injustice while being a comical and wholesome family show.

7. Hidden Figures

The film follows three black female mathematicians who play an important role in astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit. These extraordinary women are forced to deal with racial and gender discrimination from male colleagues and white counterparts.

8. Just Mercy

False accusations on black men for allegedly raping white women have been taking place for years. Featuring Michael B. Jordan and based on a true story, this film follows a black man waiting out his time on death row as he has been convicted of rape.

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