Black Directors in Hollywood: The Next Generation
Change
has come. While there was once a time when great directors like Spike
Lee and Carl Franklin were a mere blip on Tinseltown’s radar, black
directors churning out box-office hits have now become the norm. Let’s
take a closer look at five of our favorite young directors.
Gina Prince Bythewood
Notables: (2008)), Love & Basketball (2000)), “Disappearing Acts” (2000) (TV)
Why She’s Hot:
Gina Prince-Bythewood is making major strides for both African
Americans and women in the film industry. This triple threat writer,
director and producer paints portraits of black love and life that are
not often seen on the big screen. Watch her work her production magic
in Middle of Nowhere, which is set to be released later this year.
Malcolm D. Lee
Notables: Soul Men (2008), Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (2008), Roll Bounce (2005), Undercover Brother (2002), The Best Man (1999)
Why He’s Hot:
Malcolm D. Lee is also a writer, director and producer. With movies
that address diverse aspects of our culture, the new film he that he’s
writing, The Rucker, is due out in 2011 and is sure to serve up another juicy slice of black life.
Benny Boom
Notables: Next Day Air (2009), 50 Cent: The Massacre – Special Edition (2005), Nas: Video Anthology Vol. 1 (2004)
Why He’s Hot: While Benny Boom has spent most of his career directing the hottest videos in hip-hop, his new movie, Next Day Air,
is poised to make sonic waves at the box office. With a star-studded
cast that includes Mike Epps, the laughs — and money — are sure to roll
in.
F. Gary Gray
Notables: Be Cool (2005), A Man Apart (2003), The Italian Job (2003), Set It Off (1996), Friday (1995)
Why He’s Hot: F. Gary Gray is the directing force behind many ‘hood classics. His two upcoming films, Armored (2009) and Law Abiding Citizen (2011), will be action-packed bangers.
Lee Daniels
Notables: Monster’s Ball (2001), The Woodsman (2004), Shadowboxer (2006)
Why He’s Hot: While Lee Daniels has already won an Academy Award for his production on Monster’s Ball, there is already talk of him winning another for directing Precious. Lee seems destined to add another trophy to his shelf.
Our Take:
The gates of Hollywood are being torn off the hinges by trailblazers
like the aforementioned directors. More black faces in Hollywood
correlate to more reflections of our culture to draw upon. Yes, change
has come! –erika townsend
