Prime Video has unveiled the trailer for the highly anticipated docu-series “Hollywood Black,” directed by Justin Simien and featuring prominent figures like Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay. The four-part series, inspired by historian Donald Bogle’s book, is set to premiere on August 11, 2024, on MGM+.
“Hollywood Black” offers a radical reexamination of the history of cinema from a Black perspective. It delves into the personal stories of actors, writers, directors, and producers who fought for their place in Hollywood. The series aims to shed light on the contributions and struggles of Black creatives in the film industry, providing a critical look at an essential American narrative.
The series features interviews with notable figures such as W. Kamau Bell, Steven Caple Jr., Gina Prince-Bythewood, Issa Rae, LaKeith Stanfield, Gabrielle Union, Lena Waithe, and Forest Whitaker, among others. These voices contribute to a rich tapestry of experiences and insights, highlighting the resilience and creativity of Black artists in Hollywood.
The first episode, “Built On Our Backs,” airing on August 11, 2024, explores the contributions of Black actors and directors from the silent era to the late 1960s. This period saw a generation of Black filmmakers creating works that countered the denigrating imagery of Black people, forever changing Hollywood’s perception of Black storytellers.
The second episode, “The Defiant Ones,” set to air on August 18, 2024, focuses on the 1960s and the efforts of Black filmmakers to celebrate Black culture on screen. During this time, Hollywood began to recognize the commercial potential of Black stories, leading to a complex negotiation for Black artists to maintain their dignity without compromising their values.
In the third episode, “The Price of Admission,” airing on August 25, 2024, the series examines the 1990s, a decade when a new generation of Black filmmakers and megastars were embraced by the studio system. Despite this progress, independent and female filmmakers who diverged from mainstream portrayals of Black life continued to struggle for recognition.
The final episode, “Dear Black People,” airing on September 1, 2024, looks at the period following the election of President Barack Obama. This era saw unprecedented opportunities for Black filmmakers, leading to critical and commercial successes with films like “Selma,” “Get Out,” and “Black Panther.” The episode highlights how Black filmmakers have embraced new genres and narratives, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Hollywood.
“Hollywood Black” is produced by Culture Machine’s Justin Simien and Kyle Laursen, Significant Productions’ Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, and RadicalMedia’s Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss, Jon Kamen, and Jeffrey Swartz. Shayla Harris serves as the showrunner, ensuring a cohesive and compelling narrative throughout the series.
MGM+, an Amazon company, is known for its premium content, including original series and docuseries. The platform offers a broad lineup of exclusive programming, from crime dramas and Western adventures to sci-fi horror and suspense thrillers. “Hollywood Black” joins a roster of acclaimed docuseries on MGM+, including “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon,” “Laurel Canyon,” “My Life as a Rolling Stone,” and “NFL Icons.”
MGM+ is available nationwide through various distribution channels, including cable, telco, satellite, and digital platforms. The MGM+ app also provides access to the network’s extensive library of content, ensuring that viewers can enjoy their favorite shows and movies anytime, anywhere.
The release of “Hollywood Black” comes at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of diverse voices and stories. By highlighting the contributions and challenges of Black creatives in Hollywood, the series aims to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and audiences alike.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “Hollywood Black,” viewers can look forward to a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of Black cinema. The series promises to be a significant addition to the ongoing conversation about representation and diversity in the film industry.
Source: MGM+
