Dear Pennies & Pens,
This past February, my agency, 8515 hosted Pen’s Flicks: Black Panther. Pen’s Flicks is a collection of movie meetups, film screenings, and panel discussions curated by 8515. Inspired by the film section of de la Pen, Pen’s Flicks is about creating a unique experience for film lovers. Pen’s Flicks features unique and original films that chronicle the multicultural experience.
Whether it’s a major Hollywood release, an independent film, or a classic 80s or 90s movie, each film we select tells a story that captures the essence of the multicultural lifestyle. The films we choose will be from the following genres: Comedy, Drama, Action, Documentary, and Romance. Pen’s Flicks will focus on highlighting the work of multicultural creatives in the film industry.
Pen’s Flicks: Black Panther proved to be one of our most successful events! For it was on a fabulous night in February that we hosted a group of melanin #QUEENS. We met up at Alamo Drafthouse Richardson then after everyone arrived, we went into the theater to watch the movie. After the movie, we went to the restaurant to talk about the film, pop culture, and of course indulge in some much needed girl talk.
First off, let me just say that Black Panther was AMAZING!!! Seriously, one of the best films I have ever seen. The storyline, the acting, the costumes, the cinematography, everything was just phenomenal. It was funny, dramatic, there was action, and all kinds of cool plot twists. I loved it. The #QUEENS said watching my facial expression was one of the main highlights. Y’all know I’m dramatic so I can’t argue with that.
What I loved about Black Panther was that it shows people of color as Kings and Queens, leaders, people who are intelligent and wealthy. Even though it’s “just a movie”, I believe that this film is one of the most important films ever to be released. It truly changed the game. So many people came together for that one moment to see a great movie and it was lovely to see. I don’t care if you came to the movie in all black (like the real Black Panther Party), cosplay, Coming to America costumes, or African attire, or just your regular Sunday best…all that matters is that you came to see the movie. I also don’t care if you’re black, brown, white, blue, or purple, you went to see the movie.
At the end of the day, all that matters is the world seemed to come together to support this movie. As an aspiring filmmaker, it gave me so much hope. Cause I fully intend to make movies that are different. Things that are off the beaten path. And that’s exactly what Black Panther was. Even if you’re a die hard Marvel fan, you gotta admit you never saw Black Panther coming. I love how human and regular T’Challa was. He seemed to be facing so many battles: losing his father, reuniting with his true love, facing a variety of enemies after his throne, leading his people, caring for his family, etc. That man had a LOT to deal with. And he did it all with grace and stride.
And then Erik Killmonger. Oh foine ass Michael B. Jordan. Jesus definitely rose from the grave so that Michael could live. #fightme. But nah for real, Erik was such an atypical villian. There are many times when you sympathize with his character and want him to win. The fact that he calls out Wakanda for keeping their wealth a secret while people of color all over the world suffer, he makes them seem so selfish.
It kind of touches on the struggle between Africans and African Americans. One knows their history and the other doesn’t. So often times, Africans discriminate against African Americans. But African Americans are no better. Sometimes, we look down on Africans making fun of their clothes and heritage. But that’s another blog post. However, Black Panther was definitely making a statement about relations between Africans and Blacks and how disconnected we are from one another.
Omg and the WOMEN. Lupita. Danai. Letitia. Angela. There was some serious #blackgirlmagic all up and thru this film. And I’m sorry but let me say it was some dark skin black girl magic. I love my sistas of all complexions and colors but those of us who are darker than a paper bag often get the slim pickings. We’re never the love interest…we’re always the best friend/sister. See: Coming To America, Martin, Harlem Nights, etc.
Having said that, it was truly beautiful see T’Challa going loco for Nakia. He would constantly “freeze” upon seeing her and it was so dope! Lupita seriously just paved the way for sun kissed thrice actresses. It’s about to go down! Speaking of which, Lupita was fabulous in the movie too. I swear she played it so cool around T’Challa, you had no idea she was really in love with him until later. She was strong, beautiful, and fierce! What else could we expect from the future Queen of Wakanda?
Danai slayed throughout the film. Especially in that red dress. Oh that red dress. And how she hated that wig. Here in our society where black women wear weave all day every day, here comes Okoye rejecting all of that because her bald head is symbol of who she is, a warrior trained to protect the king. She doesn’t want to cover her chocolate ball head, nope, instead she wants to flaunt it. And ain’t that what Beyonce` said? If you got it, flaunt it! So right on sis. Write on.
Next, there was Ms. Letitia. The constant comedic relief. And she dropped one of the deepest lines: “Great another broken white man for me to fix”…lol how many white men have black women fixed over the years?!…I’ll wait. I love how smart Princess Shuri was. And she was so outspoken. Willing to say what no one else wouldn’t. And to her T’Challa was her big brother who just happened to be King. Their interactions were pure gold.
Last but certainly not least, Ms. Angela. Angela says less than 100 words in this film. But she is still so epic in it. Her presence just rounds out the film. Something about her being there just makes it all work. Who else could Michael B. Jordan call “Auntie” and it be relevant?
If you don’t want Angela Bassett to be your long lost, famous, rich auntie then idk what you’re doing with your daydreams. Are you like actually focusing on work and not what it’d be like to chill with Auntie B? If so, then please stop reading this B-L-O-G.
To wrap this all up, I truly loved Black Panther and I’m glad I was able to host a beautiful group of melanin #QUEENS for Pen’s Flicks: Black Panther. If you’d like to attend future 8515 events, comment below with your email! Also, if you saw Black Panther, leave your review in the comments!
And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.
