Documentary,TV Movie
United States of America
Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror is a documentary film released in 2019. The film is based on the book Horror Noire: Blacks in American Horror Films from the 1890s to Present by Robin Means Coleman, which was published in 2011. The documentary explores the history of Black Americans in horror films, from the early 20th century to the present day.
Directed by Xavier Burgin, the film features interviews with prominent African-American horror filmmakers, actors, and scholars, including Jordan Peele, Tony Todd, Keith David, Rachel True, Rusty Cundieff, and Tananarive Due. The film also includes archival footage from classic horror films, such as Night of the Living Dead and Blacula, as well as contemporary horror hits like Get Out and Us.
Horror Noire examines how Blacks have been both represented and underrepresented in the horror genre throughout history. It analyzes how Black characters have been portrayed as monstrous or comical caricatures in early horror films, while also exploring how Black horror filmmakers have subverted genre conventions to tell unique and socially conscious stories.
The film also delves into the cultural and social context surrounding Black representation in horror, touching on topics such as the legacy of segregation, the Black experience in Hollywood, and the impact of the civil rights movement.
Overall, Horror Noire is a thought-provoking and groundbreaking documentary that provides a fresh perspective on the history of Black Americans in the horror genre. It sheds light on how horror films have both perpetuated and challenged racial stereotypes, and celebrates the contributions of Black filmmakers and actors to the genre.
