In episode 3 of The Film Library, hosts Alonso Duralde and Daniel Thompson are joined by the acclaimed filmmaker Justin Simien. Known for his groundbreaking works "Dear White People" and "Bad Hair," Justin reflects on his career and shares how his experiences have shaped his perspective on filmmaking and his future path. They examine the history and significance of black cinema, exploring its integral role in the broader cinematic landscape. Justin highlights the exceptional work of emerging black filmmakers and recommends must-watch films such as Savanah Leaf’s "Earth Mama." The discussion also sheds light on the challenges of getting independent films into theaters and the crucial need for representation in traditional film education. Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy and future of black cinema, and don't forget to explore the powerful, thought-provoking titles available on Kanopy. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 03:38 Reflecting on black cinema history 06:50 Black cinema is integral to overall cinema 11:40 Marginalized groups overlooked in movies 17:21 AV Rockwell's movies 21:33 Challenging perceptions of Charlie Chaplin stories 23:11 Using satire to convey subversive messages 27:33 Sam Jackson's great performance captivates in film Get started with Kanopy at www.kanopy.com by entering your library card information or university login when prompted. Follow Kanopy at https://www.youtube.com/@KanopyOfficial https://letterboxd.com/kanopy/ https://www.instagram.com/kanopy https://www.tiktok.com/@kanopyofficial https://twitter.com/kanopy Follow Justin Simien https://www.instagram.com/justin_simien/ Follow Alonso Duralde https://bsky.app/profile/aduralde.bsky.social Follow Daniel Thompson https://x.com/deckthedan Producer: Brandon Gray Executive Producer: Christian Pierce Graphic Design: Aleksandra Jelic © Kanopy, Inc. All rights reserved. Produced by Bramble Jam Podcast