Hot Docs 2008

The derogatory connotations of the term "black list" have always bothered filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and critic Elvis Mitchell. By crafting a series of provocative and emotional interviews with 20 prominent African-Americans, the pair powerfully (re)present The Black List for a new generation. Black leaders from diverse backgrounds including Colin Powell, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Suzan-Lori Parks and Rev. Al Sharpton, speak directly to the camera, boldly sharing not only personal experiences, but controversial views on the joys and struggles of black life in America. While Toni Morrison offers positive experiences growing up as a black, female child, Lou Gossett Jr. calls out Hollywood's racism over not getting any work after winning the Oscar. Chris Rock asserts that true equality in major league baseball is achieved only when bad black players are signed, while museum curator Thelma Golden recalls how people assumed she only worked for Thelma Golden. With stunning composition and incisive interviewing, The Black List stimulates a most powerful discussion of race, oppression and empowerment.
-Myrocia Watamaniuk