Cinema|Film
Celebrating Blaxploitation Films
A glance at the contributions of Gordon Parks and Melvin Van Peebles and Michael Shultz
“Blaxploitation” is a genre of American film that emerged in the 1970s, which combines the words “black” and “exploitation” and refers to films that targeted Black audiences and often featured Black characters in lead roles.
The films were typically low-budget and featured themes of crime, violence, and sex, and were known for their gritty and often exaggerated portrayals of urban life. The innovative soundtracks often included funk and soul music, highlighting the film’s themes.
As an Italian and American female, teaching Blaxploitation is always a landmine of triggers. How can I teach films when I’m unfamiliar with the Black Experience? Why aren’t there people of color teaching these classes? Why does it always have to be a white person interpreting a black world?
I get it. My only response is that I teach English, Swedish, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Mexican filmmaking as well. So if I may continue.
Black directors created a distinct style of filmmaking characterized by its honest realism, urban settings, and a focus on Black heroes who defied authority and fought against oppression.
