What is BlackTalk?

Part kickback, part gabfest, BlackTalk is a film screening and criticism salon series where Black movies — classic and contemporary — matter. In the great tradition of the Harlem Renaissance, in this space, Black thinkers center Black filmmaking in a kitchen table-style debrief of cultural commentary and critique, ultimately interrogating the film canon. Led by creator Tre'vell Anderson, a curated list of cultural tastemakers are invited to screen and discourse films made by and/or about Black people. An intervention toward and challenge of more traditional examples of criticism, BlackTalk puts the power and purpose of film criticism (back) where it belongs: in the hands of the beloved community.

The inaugural BlackTalk salon series was filmed between May and August 2024 across Los Angeles, CA.

Who were the guest curators?

Salons two and three were guest curated by Brooke Obie and Amber J. Phillips, respectively. Learn more about Brooke here. Learn more about Amber here.

How was BlackTalk funded?

BlackTalk was made possible through support from Critical Minded, an initiative to invest in cultural critics of color cofounded by The Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Ford Foundation which covered production costs and honorariums for both curators and all participants.

What’s next for BlackTalk?

We’d love to continue bringing Black cultural workers together to center Black movies beyond this four-salon experience. For more info on potential partnerships, contact us.