I was recently nominated to participate in a 10-Day Movie Challenge on Facebook by a college buddy. Ok, it’s taken a few weeks for me to have a moment to accept, but I thought to make this a post for a key reason. First, let me say that the challenge is to post 1 image per day for 10 days with no explanation from movies that had an impact on me, as well as to nominate someone else each day. After reflecting on a few movies, I decided to blog about it to share why I chose these movies, as most of them are symbolic in representing 1) my perspective on aspects of life, 2) people and things I’m passionate about, and 3) in some ways my personality and experiences. So, let me go ahead and jump in… (Note: these are in no particular order)
The Neverending Story
Including wanting to ride on Falcor myself, this movie was one of the most impressionable movies of my childhood. With so many impactful messages, even watching this as an adult, it proves to be inspiring. I recall as a child the story-line encouraging imagination and dreams, as well as, my love for reading. However, the underlying messages of “not giving up”, “knowing you are never alone”, “the power of spoken words and speaking it into existing”, and “doing whatever you dream” planted seeds in me.
Queen
This adaptation of the novel based on the life of Queen Jackson Haley, Alex Haley’s paternal grandmother has probably been one of the most profound movies to shape my perception of slavery’s impact and precursor to what we see today in the portrayal of black women, interracial relationships, and the black family dynamics. It is the reason why for the longest time I refused to watch the tv show Scandal, as well as other shows. It provided a baseline for my critique of the messaging and propaganda we see in media today, as well as the lack there of, of varying depictions of African American culture. Trust me we can have a real in-dept conversation about this movie and its correlation to society today.
Amistad
When I was 16 years old, my interest in my family tree led me to become in some ways our family historian. Tracking and gathering information on cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents was something to which I was dedicated. A few years later, after watching Amistad and the connection to our homeland, it stirred a resurgence in my desire to see how far back I could go to track my family origins. The story of Cinque not only painted a picture for me of various countries involvement in the slave trade (Spain, England, Mexico, US) and the intertwining of people and cultures, African, Puerto Rican, Native American, African American, and more, but also instilled in me a desire to travel to Africa, specifically Ethiopia, to see and know more.
JFK
Not many know, but you can call out the conspiracy theorist in me because of this movie. JFK was eye-opening for me. After seeing it, I read and studied the book. This is one movie I had watched so many times thinking how could the American public at the time believe this “magic bullet” theory. And yet, it didn’t stop there. This movie launch my searches, viewing, and assessments of the killing of Dr. King, Malcolm X, Medgar Evars, Bobby Kennedy, and especially 9/11 documentaries and films. Thank you History Channel, A&E, PBS, Youtube, Netflix, and more. I guess there is no harm in posting, because I honestly believe the FBI/CIA track my online viewing anyway, so they know how many 9/11 and other documentaries I still watch to this day. And just so it’s stated, I’m not a terrorist or studying to be. I’m someone who seriously questions various entities in power, their motives, and their ability to act out hidden agendas, even if it means destroying vast numbers of people. I’ve grown skeptical of the management of our food industry, health industry, FDA, NCR and more, and it began with the film, JFK.
Hidden Colors I-IV
I’ve spent over the last almost 20 years reading books from historians, professors, lecturers, and more like, Josef Ben Jochannan, Chancellor Williams, Anthony Browder, Barashango, and others, after seeing how most of our history as Black people, especially that which illuminates our highest potential, was before slavery. Unfortunately, many of us are not aware, accepting or seeking that fact. The fact that we are still fed limited or misinformation in schools, as well as most representation and knowledge of a more complete picture of Black, African and African American history is not widely promoted, to see the release of Hidden Colors I, II, III & IV, I found to be a true treasure. For those that haven’t read such pre-mentioned books, this documentary series shines a light on many of the accomplishments, depictions, events, from “our” story and perception. Having had the opportunity to screen portions of the first of the series to a group of 7th graders was impactful for them to learn stories never shared with them before. It allowed them to learn how powerful of a people we have been, truly are, and can continue to be, yet in determining our future, we must know and embrace our past.
Jesus of Nazareth
To say that the story of our Lord and Savior is an epic one is an understatement, yet to have seen this movie depicting the life of one who I read about growing up left a significant imprint on my life. From biblical reading, to church bible study, to attending Catholic school from 1st through 12th grade, the film gave a powerful visual depiction of what I read & grew faith in since I was a child. It has served as a reminder of how much God loves us, his willing and sacrifice to become human to save us, the example he was/is, and the hope for days ahead and transition to after the journey of life on this earth is over. This movie is one I still watch from time to time to this day.