In many respects I can sympathize and relate to not wanting to see The Butler or 12 Years a Slave, though I’m not knocking nor hating that the actors in these films are turning in great performances.
We’ve even celebrated their accolades, as expressed by others, on our own timeline, yet in my mind personally these films leave me disappointed that mainstream celebrates them so glowingly when there are so many more roles featuring people of color, that aren’t about being subservient or slaves, even this year, that deserve accolades and attention.
I for one look forward to the day where films from this year like
films like “Four”, which stars Wendell Pierce in a strikingly different kind of role, Trailer:
FOUR Trailer from 306 Releasing on Vimeo.
add to this list Ryan Coogler's “Fruitvale Station”, this summer's indie sensation “Filly Brown”, the upcoming “Black Nativity”, available now on netflix & itunes “Luv”, screening festivals and theaters currently “Licks" and “Blue Caprice” and compelling Web Series and Shorts from the likes of @GenoBrooksTV & @lamontpierre's @BOAcollective such as "The Therapist", other talented works such as “The Marriage Tour”, "DL Chronicles Returns" many of which we’ve featured on our social media timeline and several I've personally seen or have plans to see, for the record.
Yes, these latter are the genre and stories I too hope one day catches the attention of the mainstream media and where appropriate the Oscars and other award giving orgranizations around the world.
So indeed, it's ok to not want to see the aforementioned films, such as The Butler and 12 Years a Slave, because for some of us we're looking for a new narrative of Films and Stories about People of Color to be Celebrated and made known about.
