5 Films That Explore Black Joy

By Akosua Asare for Suck My Chic.

Black joy is revolutionary — an act of resistance when too many films and media interpretations of the Black experience center trauma, slave stories, oppression, and sorrow, stories of Black joy are forgotten and not recognized as significant representations of Black livelihood.

When the Black stories that get the most mainstream attention and praise are about trauma, not only is that extremely exhausting and painful for Black people, but they hardly feel like films made for Black people and more like trauma porn for other’s gaze. Movies that depict injustices and the hard realities for Black people in society are important, but so are ones that celebrate life. We need more films that present Black people falling in love, having fun with friends, making the best out of any situation, and simply living life.

It is important to mention that although many Black joy films don’t ignore social issues and still have commentary on Black struggles, they’re significant because that is not all that is being experienced in the film. It is more realistic because systemic racism is evident in our everyday lives, but so is humor, growth, love, and triumphs. Here are 5 films that showcase nontraumatic aspects of Black livelihood:

House Party (1990)