15 films about racism to help reflect on the topic

Identifying the situations of racism present in everyday life is more than necessary to debate prejudice and think about individual and collective changes, in order to provide public policies of inclusion and equality. Discover 15 films about racism below to help reflect on this structural and institutional problem.

1. Kbela

Racism presents itself in many ways, one of which is the standard of beauty. Black women have their hair straightened and their beauty diminished for not complying with the standard based on European beauty. Kbela, an award-winning short film directed by Yasmin Thainá, uses metaphors to expose everyday racism. In this film, you will understand how the standard of beauty is one of the mechanisms of oppression to exclude black women.

2. Run!

Chris is a young black man who is about to meet his girlfriend’s family. Because they are an interracial couple, the young man fears that Rose’s parents will disapprove of the relationship. But this is the least of his problems. Directed by Jordan Peele, the film uses suspense to talk about the different layers of racism and its consequences for black people, using the very language of terror as a metaphor for racism. A great movie about racism!

3. Selma – A fight for equality

The Black March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, organized by Martin Luther King Jr. is the theme of this movie. In it, the activist protested for the right to vote for black people in the USA. The film is a biography of Luther King, told from a small but very important demonstration for the rights of black Americans. The direction is by Ava DuVernay and the film is essential to understand how the political struggle is essential to win rights.

4. Mudbound – Tears Over Mississippi

In this film directed by Dee Rees, the central themes are the racial and class tensions in the 1940s, between two families of different races on a Mississippi farm. It all starts when the McAllan family moves to the region, having to live with the caretakers, who are black. The contrast between the two families reveals the difference in treatment because of skin color, making it an excellent film to add to your list of films about racism.

5. ANA

This short talks about racism for children. Ana is a girl who does not recognize herself as black, most likely because black representation is lacking for these subjects to identify themselves. It is Jeannette, a refugee from Congo, who helps her in this process of discovery. The production is by Vitória Felipe denounces the lack of approach on the subject and how putting racial issues in the education of children is essential to build a fairer world.

6. Dúdú and the skin-colored pencil

Doubts arise in Dúdú when his art teacher advises him to use the skin color pencil to finish the drawing. Upon realizing that the color was different from their skin tone, the child looks for someone who can have the same color as the pencil. The direction of Miguel Rodrigues is an excellent film about racism, as it brings another example of how society does not represent black subjects even in basic issues, such as colored pencils.

7. Provisional Measure

In dystopia, the Brazilian government decides to repair its slaveholding past by ordering the country’s blacks to return to Africa. This decision drastically affects the reality of the population, causing the characters to question themselves about social and racial issues. Directed by Lázaro Ramos, the feature is a sad metaphor that shows that, for many, segregation is still the solution to solving color problems.

8. The denial of Brazil

Joel Zito Araújo’s documentary brings together a series of interviews with black Brazilian artists to discuss racial prejudice in the country lived not only on a daily basis, but also behind the scenes of the audiovisual and artistic scene. In this film, it is interesting to compare the trajectory of other actors and realize that the racial factor is often a factor that delays the careers of many talented young people.

9. The ultimate blues voice

Also from the artistic world, “The supreme voice of the blues” deals with racism in the US music scene. The film takes place in a CD recording session by Ma Rainey, known as “Mother of Blues”, and her band. The conflict takes place in the exploitation of black talent by a racist music industry of the 20’s. Directed by George C. Wolfe, the film is perfect for people who like to unite music and political conflicts in one place.

10. If Beale Street Could Talk

Artist Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. This arrest puts a stop to plans to marry Tish, who is expecting her child. It’s up to her to prove the groom’s innocence to have him home for the baby’s birth. The film is directed by Barry Jenkins and has scenes filled with cinematic language. If this question is a decisive factor in your choices, then you will probably love this movie!

11. Infiltrated in the Klan

In this Spike Lee film, Ron Stallworth is a young black police officer who infiltrates Colorado’s Ku Klux Klan to stop the organization. The infiltration is a success, causing Ron to become leader of the racist sect and manage to boycott their plans in the region. This dramatic comedy discusses discrimination, segregation and prejudice masterfully, showing that hate is intrinsically related to ignorance.

12. Monster

Steve Harmon is a film student from Harlem whose life is turned upside down when he is wrongly accused of aggravated murder. He is arrested and awaits trial. He needs to prove his innocence in the face of a system that condemns him on the basis of racial prejudice. However, how to prove his innocence if the laws were created from a totally Eurocentric vision? Directed by Anthony Mandler is a full plate to reflect on these questions.

13. Two strangers

Also known as Two Perfect Strangers, he portrays the relationship between racism and police violence. In this Oscar-winning short film, cartoonist Carter James tries to walk his dog home after spending the night on a date. Suddenly, Carter finds himself reliving the same day over and over again, trying to escape the lethal actions of a white police officer because of the color of his skin. Directed by Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe, the film features references to the deaths of Geoge Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

14. Dear white people

Four young black students at the University of Winchester decide to react to the demonstrations of racism at the institution after white students throw a party about black race. With doses of irony, the comedy encourages reflection on the very definition of racism, structural racism and reverse racism. Directed and scripted by Justin Siemen, the 2014 feature has the same name as the Netflix series. And no wonder, as the series – directed by Barry Jenkins, Tina Mabry and Charlie McDowell – was inspired by this film.

15. The Hate You Sow

What would you do if you had a friend murdered by the police? This is a dilemma that follows Starr Cartes, the only witness to the death of his best friend. The adaptation by George Tillman Jr. it also portrays police oppression and violence and institutional racism among those who should protect everyone. Afraid of being another number, Starr tries to fit into a pattern. A great film to reflect the contrast between police approach to black and white people.

To continue reflecting, how about checking out a list of films to empower women and select your favorites for the next weekend?