Reel Talk: A Conversation About Black Cinema Today

Reel Talk🎥🎞

In a casual roundtable-style conversation about film, I sat down with two of my students, Carzell and Jaida, to discuss the state of Black filmmaking today. We explored the impact of of movie mogel Tyler Perry, the growth of Black representation in Hollywood, and their visions for the future of the industry. As a result of these questions, what emerged was an honest, reflective, and comedic exchange that revealed just how passionate this generation is about storytelling and shifting narratives.

(Pictured: L-Carzell and R-Jaida)

Q&A with Carzell and Jaida

Q: What are your thoughts on Tyler Perry as a filmmaker and his impact on Black cinema?

Carzell:
I think Tyler Perry is kind of a double-edged sword. He’s a phenomenal creator and writer, no doubt, but I also feel like he's diminished the image of the Black community over time. It doesn’t seem like he really cares about helping the community as much as he portrays. That said, Madea is probably one of the funniest characters I’ve ever seen. Madea Goes to Jail is my favorite—it had me rolling.

Jaida:
Tyler Perry is a good writer, but his films have started to recycle themselves. The stories are getting repetitive, always a woman in distress and a man saving her. It’s getting old.

Q: How do you feel about the progress of Black filmmakers and the direction of Black cinema today?

Jaida:
At first, Black cinema wasn’t taken seriously. A lot of early roles for Black actors were really diminishing—like Michael Jackson playing the Scarecrow. But over time, we’ve seen growth. Directors like Tyler Perry and others have helped films become more serious and memorable. Still, I think Black creators need to be more unified. We don’t help each other as much as we should. If we showed the same unity we depict in our movies, we’d be taken more seriously. But we’re on the right path—we’re progressing.

Carzell:
Yeah, it’s come a long way—from back then to now, there’s been a lot of improvement.

Q: Who are some of your favorite Black actors and filmmakers?

Carzell:
I’ve got a lot, but I’ll just name five: Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Richard Pryor, Denzel Washington, and Kevin Hart… I guess. (laughs)

Jaida:
Jamie Foxx is definitely up there. Chris Rock too. And yeah—Will Smith, for sure.

Ariana (Me):
I really like Jonathan Majors—even though there’s been controversy, he’s talented. Will Smith, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Felicia Rashad, Cicely Tyson... There are so many. And I think Michael B. Jordan is doing great, too.

Jaida:
Yeah, Taraji P. Henson is another one. I remember hearing her say she was getting underpaid in the industry. Tyler Perry was actually the one who helped her get her first million, which I respect. If we helped each other more, we'd go even further.

Q: If you were filmmakers today, what would you do differently?

Jaida:
I’d add more nuance—capture real life as it flows. Like, this conversation right here—I'd make that cinematic. Some of the best films are rooted in real life. Look at Precious. That was raw and true. I’d love to blend live moments with storytelling in a meaningful way.

Carzell:
I’d give more opportunities to up-and-coming actors instead of always casting the same big names. Everyone deserves a chance, and we have to open doors for the next generation.

Our conversation made it clear: while Black cinema has come a long way, there’s still more to be done. Whether it’s pushing for originality, uplifting new voices, or uniting as a creative community, these students see the future of Black film as one rich with potential—and they just might be the ones to help shape it.