5 Film Genres that Still Need Black Representation
These Five Genres are in Dire Need of More Black Representation
Diversity in Hollywood has improved over the past years. The UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report shows that in 2020 alone, women made up 48% of lead actor roles, which was unimaginable just a few years ago. What’s more, films with casts that were at least 21% minority had the best online viewing ratings among all ethnic sections in the 18–49 age category. And people of color finally make up the same percentage of roles in films as they do of the U.S. population – around 40%.
But some suggest there is still some way to go, particular in certain genres. It is one thing making up the numbers, but it is important to look at to whom the lead roles and behind-the-scenes spots go.
Interestingly, the streaming giants are leading the way in terms of diversity, while creating films that rival everything in the box office. Marginalized groups who have struggled to find a platform to tell their stories have instead taken their talents to streaming giants. Shows like “Master Of None” have flipped the industry on its proverbial head, challenging viewers to own up to their stereotypes and prejudices. Netflix has also produced a number of critically acclaimed films, including Beast of No Nation, Okja and Mudbound. These movies can hold up in any era as fine works of art. Here’s a look at the 5 film genres that still need black representation.
Historical Dramas
Let’s face it; most historical dramas are a little light on diversity. Anyone who saw Little Women will have noticed how lacking it was in different ethnicities. Period dramas are starting to address the disparity, with the likes of the Netflix series Bridgerton rewriting the script, by using people of color in roles that had traditionally and historically been reserved for white people. Set in the Regency era in England, the series doesn’t discriminate between the ethnicities of its cast, instead choosing to focus purely on the story.
Poker Films
Film has had a major impact on poker, and in just over two decades’ time, Rounders and a handful of other movies have not only made an impact at the cinema, but have contributed to the rise of No-limit Texas Hold’em poker as a game recognized around the world. These films coincided with a “poker boom” in which Phil Ivey became arguably the best Hold’em player in the world — yet we still haven’t seen a mainstream poker film with a Black lead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkaFXyg0sNE
Teen Movies
Once again, we have streaming services to thank for the growing trend in diversity – this time, in teen movies. The likes of Sex Education, Elite and On My Block use characters regardless of their backgrounds, leading to a more diverse cast. These series are leading the way, but Medium outlines that many teen movies (or coming of age films) are left in their wake.
Fantasy
In sci-fi and fantasy, the cast has often lacked diversity (we’re looking at you, Back to the Future). With that fantasy feeling of being able to escape one’s confines, Film Daze outlines that it is extremely important for people of color to be represented. However, Black Panther and the latest Star Wars movies are trying to redress the balance. Watch this… space.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ji8ONwegl0
Behind the Camera
OK, so this isn’t technically a film genre, but if you hear art students and movie buffs talking about directing and producing, you’ll certainly think of it as one. The direction behind the camera is an art unto itself, and often the most important part of the filmmaking process (despite what the posters of rippling abs and curvy bodies try to suggest). And yet, this is where diversity is most lacking. If we’re being cynical, we might suggest recent improvements in on-screen diversity are only skin deep. We’ll know real change when we see more than the current 20.5% of directors who are women. Meanwhile, white directors are twice as likely to do a film using a budget of $100 million or higher than directors of color.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2UYYI3yaW4