Why Aren't Black Films More Successful?

Anyone who takes a keen interest in film culture has probably noticed something about the filmmaking industry in America: there are considerably fewer black films that receive nationwide recognition (or praise) than films made by other ethnic groups. There appears to be a stigma surrounding the release of films starring predominantly African American people. And for some reason the films that black people make and star in don't seem to be taken as seriously as the rest of the films receiving nominations for various awards. But certain facts exist which could possibly explain the lack of general enthusiasm for black cinema.

Black Sexuality is Still Taboo

Have you noticed that very rarely are there love scenes between African American characters in predominantly white films? One theory is that the general population (as desensitized as it is to explicit sex) is still not "ready" to embrace the visual of black people making love. It would appear, that the only time African American sexuality was commonly embraced, was during the 1970's when "Blaxploitation" movies were wildly popular.

Certainly, this does not mean that black people are never viewed as sexual creatures on film. But in general, love affairs between African American movie characters are kept "benign" onscreen, while affairs amongst other ethnic groups are often explicitly detailed. For example, author E. Lynn Harris has written a series of successful novels chronicling the lives of several gay characters. But as of 2006, only one of his books has been converted into a visual medium: a short-running, low budget play. However, movies like "Brokeback Mountain" go on to amass multiple awards and critical acclaim. Had Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger's characters been black, critics more than likely would have panned the film too controversial for release. It would seem that the world is not as "prepared" to address black, male homosexuality as it is prepared to address white homosexuality in general.

Lack of Diversity in Subject Matter