Independent Films Making a Buzz 2011

After the Academy Awards aired many voiced concerns about the lacked of African-American films being nominated. With the success of Lee Daniels' Precious, in 2009, which earned comedian/actress Mo'Nique an Oscar, many thought the cinematic playing field was on its way to being fair and balanced. Notable misses from this year's Academy Awards, included Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls, and Tanya Hamilton's, Night Catches Us. The argument regarding the omissions ranged from the quality of films that African-American filmmakers produced to the taste of the voting members of the Academy. Regardless of the reason, it is important for filmmakers to keep building on the success of past recipients in order to show that black filmmakers are not a fad, but are a staple in American cinema.

2011 has already showed promise with the emergence of black filmmakers being highlighted at this year's Sundance Film Festival. For example, the film Pariah, directed by, Dee Rees, premiered opening night at Sundance, and received a distribution deal from Focus Features. Pariah, is a coming-of-age drama that showcases a teen's struggle with self identity, a theme not routinely discussed in black films.

Also screened at Sundance was Gun Hill Road , Gun Hill Road, stars Esai Morales, Judy Reyes, and Harmony Santana. This film centers around a Latino family from the Bronx, and the conflict that arises when the father returns home from prison to discover crucial changes in his son and estranged wife, but learns despite those changes he needs to be a father to his son, directed by, Rashaad Ernesto Green. Gun Hill Road, also received a distribution deal from Motion Film Group.

The film slate for 2011 continues to show diversity from the typical sports, drugs, or slapstick comedy associated with urban films. For example, I Will Follow, directed by Ava DuVernay, has received great reviews regarding its universal theme of dealing with lost and grief. I Will Follow, stars Salli Richardson, Omar Hardwick, and Blair Underwood, and is distributed by the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM), which Ava founded. Through AFFRM, Ava will oversee the theatrical releases of black themed films during various festivals such as, the Urbanworld Film Festival in New York, and the ReelBlack Film Series in Philadelphia, in a deal she secured with AMC Theatres as part of their independent film program. I Will Follow, will have its theatrical release
March 11th, 2011.

Just in time for the wedding season, Jumping the Broom, directed by Salim Akil, will be released May 6th, 2011. Jumping the Broom, is a comedy which chronicles the wedding of a couple from two different backgrounds, and stars Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, and Angela Bassett.

Although this year's award season did not highlight the full spectrum of the film community, in the upcoming years it is expected filmmakers will use creative means to get their voices heard. For example, Rashaad feels "as digital media grows more and more affordable and accessible, we will have an influx of filmmakers of color who wouldn't previously have had the opportunity to create their own work". Having outlets such as instant streaming and video on demand, Rashaad feels that filmmakers "have more direct access to an eagerly waiting audience than we ever have before".

Oscars 2012. Get ready.