Shaft or Sidney Poitier: The Emergence of Black Masculinity in Comic Books Film Review

If you didn't get a chance to check this out during the National Black Arts Festival then you truly missed out on a treat.  I am always impressed with the films that NBAF selects and this year is no different. This year I had the opportunity to actually know one of the filmmakers, which made the experience even better. Shaft or Sidney Poitier: The Emergence of Black Masculinity in Comic Books was one of the US Short Documentaries selected to be showcased and featured at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA this past week. Now early on in the year I was able to sit down and talk with the filmmaker Jonathan Gayles, and (SEE HERE), now it is with great pleasure that I get to review the film.

SHAFT OR SIDNEY POITIER is a documentary film examining the representation of Black masculinity in comic books.Through interviews with prominent artists, scholars and cultural critics along with images from the comic books themselves, this film examines the degree to which early Black superheroes generally adhered to common stereotypes about Black men. From the humorous, to the offensive, early Black superheroes are critically considered.

Let me first start out by saying after watching the film you get an even greater appreciation for the title "Shaft or Sidney Poitier..." According to the late Dwayne McDuffie, black comic book characters fell into one of those two styles Shaft, who was street-wise, raw, and righteous with bits of charm. Or either like that of Sidney Poitier, cool, mild-mannered, who takes a more intellectual approach rather than an aggressive, action one like his counterpart mentioned above. So once we are able to identify which group they fall in then the documentary further enlightens us on the issue of hyper-masculinity and even touch upon the "cool pose" theory within each of these comic book characters. Many of these characters if not all are what I like to call "problematic", when I think about it a little longer that could be one of the sub-themes and how the audience can learn from it. The images and portrayal of African American males in comic books is not a new issue by any means, more so a topic that needs to further discussed.

Shaft or Sidney Poitier does just that by taking the audience on a journey of the first African American character in his own solo series ("Lobo"), to the first African comic book character in mainstream comics ("Black Panther"/Marvel), to DC Comic's first African American superhero to headline his own series "Black Lighting" and much, much more. Gayles does a thorough job of extracting everything that he can with featured interviews from various scholars, comic book artists, writers, historians, fans etc. to spotlight this topic of "black masculinity" in comic books. As we delve deeper into the film, many of the characters we would find out fall into the "love/hate" relationship. Several of the scholars spoke on the fact that they were torn between wanting to be like the character and at the same time being somewhat ashamed of the "man" being portrayed. (When you get a moment check out "Luke Cage: Hero for Hire" the story will speak for itself.)

Now to a certain degree I was a bit angry, disturbed and torn myself, not with the film itself but the portrayals (visually & name wise) of many of the characters. To think that some of these comics had names such as "Whitewash" (who happened to be a white kid in black face), "Roach", "Cottonmouth", "Black Mariah", etc. you get the point...for a moment my blood begins to boil, but then there is a silver lining. As much as I could stay angry, watching the film would help me to realize that the writer of the comic and the artist are two different people who may or may not be on the same page. And this is why taking ownership in this art is vital. (Another example, John Stewart aka Green Lantern).

Gayles' documentary gives us hope in that black comics do not have to be lead down a European mainstream road, but rather our "own" road of African and African American comic book ownership. That exact thought really stuck in mind and still does even as I am typing. Yes Marvel and DC Comics dominate the comic book world, but they are not the only ones in it. With such creations like the Black Age Movement and conferences like ONYXCON and ECBACC (East Coast Black Age of Comics Con) there is no turning back, just moving forward.

This whole documentary experience was like a history lesson on comic books that just begs for more. We must commend those who take part in this illustrious art form but at the same, we must tip our hats off to the filmmaker as well for shedding more like on this brilliant topic. Shaft or Sidney, is a documentary that I think will help to spark more interest in the comic book world, as a matter of fact I have even heard comics are being used in the classrooms now, which truly speaks volumes.  So I can't help but ask the question, has faith been restored in the black comic book character? You be the judge... I know my answer.

You don't have to be a comic book fan to enjoy this documentary, if nothing else you will definitely come out more informed about black masculinity. To be honest, you almost can relate and identify personally with one of these characters and that in itself makes the characters even more relevant.  In the end, I am thankful to be introduced to a world of black comics because there truly is a lot to offer. I feel like a kid in the candy store who wants more, but has to leave. I realize that even with this documentary there should be room left to desire and do some personal research, and Gayles' does just that for us.

To think that the black comic does not have place, well that's not even the case so let's not even go there the thought never crossed my mind.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Also please make sure to check out Dr. Gayles website: BlackSuperHeroes for more information regarding the documentary as well as other projects in store. Also make sure to check him out on Twitter as well... www.twitter.com/shaftorsidney

Grand Finale for a Grand Series!! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Before I get into the review let me first put in two plugs for two films that are going to rock the charts when they hit the screen!! Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and The Dark Knight Rises (which is set to hit theaters Summer 2012) featured their trailers and boy did I get excited. Here are two films that will definitely pique your interest as well as keep you entertained.

Back to our regularly scheduled film review...lol... As expected the movie picks up from where Part 1 leaves us and pretty much stays true to the book as I am told. The story continues with Harry, Hermione, and Ron continuing the journey of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's remaining Horcruxes. And of course, this is no simple task, but it must be done.

Without a shadow of doubt, the entire movie was outstanding, it was the perfect combination of cinematography, acting, art direction, and storyline. After watching the film I felt as though I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and it was shining bright as ever. Be prepared for heart wrenching action, epic battle showdowns, and dramatic progressions that just might bring a tear to your eyes. I was very pleased with the fact that the film was brilliantly able to combine all the emotions of laughter, sadness, excitement, and love all into one.

In Part 2, we pretty much get the opportunity to see all of the characters make some sort of appearance once again in this finale. And each one seems to shine even brighter than when we first see them. This is a good thing because that means there is growth amongst the characters versus just "playing the role". However, there are two characters who to me stand out even more in this film, that would be Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) and Professor Snape (Alan Rickman). With Neville's character he becomes this boy who was constantly bullied to being an ultimate warrior. Although he may have only had a few scenes, he has a huge impact with what we do see. And with Professor Snape we can help but love to watch his evil personality just blossom from the book to the screen. This film in particular, his character will touch your soul all the way to the core. Put it like this you began to truly feel him inside and out. And we cannot forget Lord Voldermont (Ralph Fiennes) who gets quite a bit of screen time, as he should, you almost hate to see what happens to him, but it is quite inevitable.

Here is a film that I think anyone could enjoy even if you have not read the books (like myself), to be able to step into this fantasy world for the time that we did was truly a remarkable experience. I must say this particular film is much darker that the ones the precede it, and maybe that gives it a more magical and mysterious touch. Works for me!! Now let's keep in mind the entire series was not perfect, but this last one redeemed it to the point where all hope was not lost.

When it is all said done this movie dotted and crossed all of the "i's" & "t's"!! Harry Potter will truly be missed but definitely not forgotten. Can you believe we have built a ten year relationship that is now coming to a close, what will possibly fill its shoes? But then again, does there really need to be?

Once you leave the theater just remember this is really it, there is no more. It actually took me a sec for it to sink in that this was the end of the road.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

"STILL BLACK: A Portrait of Black Transmen" Screening & Discussion

Join Trans(forming), SPARK, and PureMe Productions as they host a screening & discussion of  

Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen.

The screening will be held Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Phillip Rush Center (Atlanta, GA) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The film will begin promptly at 6:30pm, so be sure to arrive early to save yourself a seat. Refreshments will be provided!

If you have any questions and/or concerns about accessibility, please email them at info@sparkrj.org.

E. Lynn Harris' Well Known Novel Headed to Theaters

Check out the featured article from Rolling Out magazine talking with the film director of E. Lynn Harris' epic novel Invisible Life...

Invisible Life, the ground-breaking novel about an alternative love story penned by now-deceased author, E. Lynn Harris, is about to take its impact a step further. The story that changed the perception of what “gay” looks like, ushering in for black women both education and suspicion about “down low” brothers, is headed to the big screen.


Proteus Spann, an accomplished film producer, casting agent and good friend to Harris, purchased exclusive rights to Invisible Life and the remainder of Harris’ brand and, now, has made it his mission to broaden the audience that the intriguing novel was able to reach.  Not only did Harris’ work illuminate the fact that gay isn’t as static a term as many previously had believed, but, more importantly, it also shed light on HIV and AIDS and their unique impact on the black community.

Rolling out recently spoke with Spann to provide him with the opportunity to explain why it’s so important to him to spread Harris’ message. –gerald a. radford

*ro: What led to you owning E Lynn Harris’ body of work?
Spann: I want the public to understand that this [purchasing the rights] came about in 2005-2006 before he [E Lynn Harris] died.  So, this is about me getting the rights and having ownership, and it’s important to emphasize the ownership because I own the book and all the characters outright, his entire catalog of Invisible Life up until In My Father’s House, and I bought In My Father’s House and Mama Dearest in January of ’09, and Lynn passed in July of  ’09.  All of this was completely done.  That’s important because you’ll have a lot of naysayers, and a lot of people will want to know, “How did you come up with this?” But it’s been done.

*ro: There seems to be an air of defensiveness regarding the transaction.
Spann: With all the jealousy and hating, there may be someone who will challenge me, but, in 2006, I became the US copyright owner.  Do your research before you come.
It’s important to understand that this didn’t happen posthumously. I’ve been working on the musical [Invisible Life] since I first bought the book.  I hired Ashford and Simpson to write all original music for the musical, and they did incredible music, which the NY Times has heard some of it and has commented with a positive review.  So, the musical is ready to go.  But, it was easier to finance the movie as opposed to the play. So, that’s why I’m doing the movie first.

*ro: You appear very passionate about this project.  Why?
Spann: One of the reasons I bought the rights to the book is because the book impacted me.  When I first read the book, it answered a lot of questions that I had, and it spoke to a lot of the things that I was going through, and there was no other novel or no other book to do that and especially if you didn’t have parents, as I didn’t. Invisible Life answered a lot of questions, and it not only answered questions for me as a man and as a boy, but it also had great impact on women.

To see more of the interview go to RollingOut.com ...

I must say I read every single one of E. Lynn Harris' books and a true fan. I always wondered if they would turn his books into featured films or even a made for tv movie. And then the ultimate question would be who would play the characters...with ease and confidence. Well I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.

Thoughts?!! Good idea or should they leave it alone?

Roland Martin Discusses 'Dark Girls' film with Director Bill Duke

Check out Roland Martin chatting with Dark Girls director Bill Duke. Here is very engaging discussion on how skin tone still effects women in the black community.!

Huge KUDOS goes to Duke for bringing a documentary such as this one to the big screen.

To check out the discussion go to Roland Martin & Bill Duke discuss 'Dark Girls' !!

Also for more information check out the Official Website Dark Girls Movie and the FACEBOOK page.

"The Dark Knight" Rises Teaser Poster Revealed!!

And here it is...well at least the teaser poster :-). The Dark Knight Rises poster was just released on today, this will be the third and final installment in Nolan's Batman film series.

Set to hit theaters this time next year July 20th, 2012.

"Close Ties: Tying On A New Tradition" Documentary Film Project

While doing my early morning blogging I came across a wonderful article about a new documentary project in New Orleans on NewBlackMan . (By the way you should definitely follow this blog Mark Anthony Neal is a true scholar and critical thinker!) For those that know me know that I am all about empowering the black youth of the community in creative ways. I truly believe in order to reach today's future we have to step outside the box!!

This post comes from KickStarter.com via Mark Anthony Neal's blog "New Black Man".



Close Ties: Tying On A New Tradition is a documentary project out of New Orleans, LA and sponsored by Park Triangle Productions.

So you ask what is this all about....Close Ties: Tying on a New Tradition provides an intimate look at a rites of passage ceremony that connects teenage boys with male role models. The "Tie Tying ceremony" held at New Orleans barbershop, "Mr. Chill's First Class Cuts", was created by Dr. Andre Perry and Wilbert “Chill” Wilson as a way to strengthen communities struggling with crime, poverty and alarming high school drop out rates. Cultural traditions have been the cornerstone of African American communities for centuries.

Close Ties examines the impact of this new tradition and shows us how tying a necktie --- an act associated with men who embody professionalism and prestige --- can inspire high school boys to commit to a life of achievement and success. 

During the event, the boys participate in a tie-tying demonstration, where role models from around the city instruct the youngsters on how to create distinguishing knots with their neckwear. Each of the boys also receives the opportunity to get professional grooming with a haircut and a shoe-shine. The final component of the event is one-on-one mentorship that each student receives from a male role model from the community. The youth participating in this tie-tying ceremony are boys selected from several schools in New Orleans.
Close Ties documents the mentors and the youth during and after the ceremony, where we see the men encourage and support the boys’ academic and career endeavors. The development of these mentoring relationships creates a lasting impact, one felt by students, parents, teachers and the community as a whole.

As you can see this is more than just showing a film its also about taking action towards eradicating the high school drop out rate for African American males. "We feel that Close Ties: Tying on a New Tradition is an essential tool for educators, community leaders, and to anyone with a vested interest in the potential of American youth." 

For more information on how you can take part and support go to KickStarter ! This truly touches the hear right here in so many ways, films and projects like this give you hope for what is to come in the future!!