Black History Month is the perfect time to honour Black stories and voices through the power of film. We’ve curated a diverse selection of films made by, starring and about Black artists for you to explore this month, and all year round.
There is so much that you can learn about Black history, art and experiences through stepping into a character’s shoes. Whether based on true events, or a fictionalized story that expresses a personal or political idea, these films create a beautiful mosaic, and are all excellent choices to watch during the month of February.We are excited to share the Black History Month collection at the Cineplex Store, as well as bringing four noteworthy films back to theatres this month. For every Cineplex Store transaction or theatrical ticket purchase of one of the titles in the Black History Month collection, Cineplex will donate $1 to The Black Academy to foster opportunities for young and emerging Black talent in Canada’s entertainment industry.
Check out this special message from Stephan James and Shamier Anderson of The Black Academy to find out more about how you can support.
Here are our picks for what to watch during Black History Month, both in theatres and on the Cineplex Store.
In Theatres
All tickets will go on sale the Wednesday prior to release date.
Moonlight (February 4-10)
A bold new cinematic voice burst onto the scene when director Barry Jenkins’ film Moonlight took the world by storm. The story of Chiron, a young Black man who we meet through three phases of his life as he grapples with his sexuality and his family, Moonlight was quite simply, a revelation. It won Best Picture at the Oscars, as well as Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali. With beautiful and vibrant colours, and a cinematic quality that is uniquely its own, this is a movie that is well worth seeing on the big screen again.
Inside Man (February 11-17)
Spike Lee’s epic heist movie Inside Man stars Denzel Washington, leading an impressive cast that includes Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe and Christopher Plummer. Here we follow bank robber Dalton Russell (Washington) who thinks he can pull off the perfect heist on Wall Street. It’s an exciting and underrated thrill ride that will be a blast to see in theatres.
Girls Trip (February 18-24)
One of the funniest and most beloved comedies in recent memory, Girls Trip is an instant classic. Starring comedy giants Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Tiffany Haddish (in her star-making performance) these four women have the perfect chemistry and are simply a joy to watch. It follows the four lifelong friends who travel to New Orleans for the Essence Festival, and as you can imagine, the trip is a laugh-out-loud riot.
Blade (February 25-March 3)
If you haven’t yet seen this epic, cult vampire flick, we can think of no better time than now during Black History Month while it returns to theatres. Wesley Snipes stars as the iconic half vampire half human Blade, who fights on behalf of the mortal world, slaying vampires in a truly punk rock style.
In Store
Harriet
Harriet Tubman is one of our greatest heroes; a woman whose name we all know, but whose story had not been told in a movie up until a couple of years ago. Tubman’s journey to free herself and hundreds of others from slavery is one of the most courageous and heroic moments in history. Directed with grace by Kasi Lemmons and starring a brilliant Cynthia Erivo, this movie was worth the wait.
Fruitvale Station
Fruitvale Station tells the devastating true story of 22-year-old Oscar Grant who was a victim of police brutality and whose murder was one of the launching points of the Black Lives Matter movement. Played by Michael B. Jordan, the film follows the last day of Oscar’s life, as he encounters various friends and family, and leads up to his encounter with the Bay Area Rapid Transit police after being wrongly accused of a fight that broke out on the subway. This is the feature debut of Ryan Coogler, who went on to make Creed and Black Panther, which also star Michael B. Jordan.
The United States vs Billie Holiday
Actress Andra Day was nominated for an Oscar and won the Golden Globe for her portrayal of beloved singer Billie Holiday. The film tells the story of the undercover sting operation that ended up busting Holiday for drug possession, as she was a known addict. Directed by Lee Daniels (The Butler, Precious) and starring Trevante Rhodes, Garrett Hedlund and Natasha Lyon, The United States vs. Billie Holiday uncovers this sad true story.
Love & Basketball
This classic romance, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, follows childhood friends Monica and Quincy as they grow up together playing basketball. We follow them through to their professional basketball careers, as life takes them in and out of their relationship and the ups and downs they go through together. It’s a sweet slice of life and coming-of-age movie that tackles some more serious issues, and a love story for the ages.
Do the Right Thing
Spike Lee’s groundbreaking film Do the Right Thing was released in 1989, but watching it now, it feels like it could have been made today. A riveting and topical film about racist tensions boiling to the surface on the hottest day of the year, this Brooklyn-set drama showcases ideas from all points of view, and it’ll likely make you laugh, cry, and most importantly think. Lee’s distinct filmmaking style is on full display here, and the film is proof of why he is one of the greatest filmmakers alive.
The Gospel According to André
Get to know fashion icon André Leon Tally in this amazing documentary that tells the story of how he became such a beloved figure in the industry. Tally passed away at the beginning of this year, making this film a very timely watch. The flamboyant, fun, chic and lovable man was a force to be reckoned with, coming from the segregated south and making a name for himself among the greats. This doc features appearances from the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Fran Lebowitz, and Tom Ford, showing that André was truly in good company.
If Beale Street Could Talk
Director Barry Jenkins’ follow-up to his Best Picture winner Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk is a vibrant and moving romance, based on the book by James Baldwin. Starring Canadian actor Stephan James, KiKi Layne, Colman Domingo and Regina King (who won an Oscar for her performance), this 70s set drama follows a young, pregnant couple who are torn apart when Fonny (James) is wrongly accused and arrested for the rape of a Puerto Rican woman.
John Q.
One of Denzel Washington’s most underrated films – John Q. is a rather scathing depiction of the failures of the American health system, and in so many ways, it’s even more timely today. The story follows a father whose son needs a heart transplant, but when his insurance won’t cover it, he takes an emergency room hostage until the procedure can be done. It features one of Washington’s best performances, and although it didn’t receive much love upon its release, it’s a gut-wrenching story of a problem that persists.
To Sir with Love
This 1967 Sidney Poitier classic is a feel-good and inspirational movie about an aspiring engineer who gets a teaching job in the slums of London’s East End. The film is a showcase for how loved and respected Poitier was, both on and off screen, and watching it this month would be a wonderful way to celebrate the life of the legendary actor. One of the first good films set in a classroom, To Sir With Love inspired many of the films about teacher-student relationships that came after it. Celebrate Black stories this Black History Month
This February is the perfect time to educate ourselves through the power of film. Whether it’s through historical films or fictional ones, there is so much to learn about the Black experience. The Cineplex Store has a robust collection of titles to enjoy this Black History Month, and $1 dollar from every rental or ticket purchase on Black History Month titles in theatres will be donated to The Black Academy to foster opportunities for Black talent in the Canadian film industry.