Eight Essential Movies and TV Shows from the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival
In the world of entertainment, there's always something exciting to look forward to. This month, we delve into a variety of projects that celebrate Black creativity and storytelling.
Firstly, award-winning actress and PATTERN Beauty founder, Tracee Ellis Ross, is taking us on a journey through Morocco, Mexico, and Spain in her new travel series, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, now streaming on ROKU.
Meanwhile, the 23rd annual Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) recently took place, showcasing powerful projects from some of today's top Black filmmakers. This year's festival, held at the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and Vineyard Lounge, was a testament to the vibrant and evolving landscape of Black cinema.
One of the standout projects from the festival is Seen & Heard, a two-part documentary directed by Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelsen. The documentary traces Black representation on TV, with Issa Rae serving as an executive producer.
In the realm of scripted series, FOREVER, inspired by Judy Blume's novel, is a heartfelt Netflix teen drama series created by Mara Brock Akil. The show tells the story of first love between two Black high school students, played by Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr.
The small screen also welcomes the return of Spike Lee's directorial prowess with Highest 2 Lowest, a 2025 crime thriller that reimagines Akira Kurosawa's classic High and Low. This star-studded film features Denzel Washington, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, and ASAP Rocky.
Stepping into the realm of horror, Ryan Coogler, the director of the 2025 film "Sinners," has announced that Michael B. Jordan will star in the film. In "Sinners," Jordan plays criminal twin brothers facing supernatural forces in 1932 Mississippi Delta.
Lastly, The Ebony Canal, a documentary narrated by EGOT winner Viola Davis and directed by Emmai Alaquiva, explores the link between Black maternal health and the persistent disparities in infant mortality rates.
These projects, among others, are a testament to the richness and diversity of Black storytelling, offering a wide range of experiences for audiences to enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting ventures!
