Black History Month Programming at MKE Film

02/12/25 • 30 min

This year for Black History Month, Milwaukee Film tapped its new Black Lens programmer Ty Williams to curate selections that examine various aspects of the Black experience. We didn’t just want to share his picks (although we do that below), so we invited Williams to join this episode of Cinebuds to take us deeper into this month’s programming.
As is usually the case when we talk with creatively minded folks, the thought process Williams went through when coming up with his list is as interesting as the list itself. You’ll hear about his background, which includes graduating from the film department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; how he balances between choosing films he loves and one the public will enjoy; and the personal favorites that didn’t make the final cut but are well worth your time.
Check out the full lineup of Milwaukee Film’s Black History Month programming below (including ones that have already screened in case you want to track them down yourself) and grab tickets on the Milwaukee Film website.

Feb. 2 — Drylongso
Feb. 7 — Do the Right Thing
Feb. 14 — Obsessed
Feb. 15 — Who Killed Captain Alex?
Feb. 16 — Nationtime
Feb. 19 — Boyz N the Hood
Feb. 22 — Get Out
Feb. 23 — Malcolm X
Feb. 28 — Glory

Feb. 2 — Drylongso
Feb. 7 — Do the Right Thing
Feb. 14 — Obsessed
Feb. 15 — Who Killed Captain Alex?
Feb. 16 — Nationtime
Feb. 19 — Boyz N the Hood
Feb. 22 — Get Out
Feb. 23 — Malcolm X
Feb. 28 — Glory

Previous Episode

'Nickel Boys'

With some movies, you don’t want to know what you’re in for. Processing the unexpected is part of the experience, whether it’s a great twist (The Usual Suspects). or a jaw-dropping comedic element (Something About Mary). Other films absolutely require some form of preparation. Nickel Boys is one of those.
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, Nickel Boys — as the synopsis states — “chronicles the powerful friendship between two young Black teenagers navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida.” What the synopsis doesn’t say is how wrecked the movie will leave you.
As Dori and Kpolly make very clear in this episode, the devastation is worth it based on the care and creativity poured into this film by all involved.

Next Episode

'50 Years of SNL Music'

Live from Milwaukee ...
Too easy? Sure. But appropriate considering the subject of this episode, in which we find out hosts diving into Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music.
While not a movie, per se, the documentary does have movie-ish qualities rolled up into its 3-hour runtime --- most prominently in the meticulous approach of its director, Questlove. The co-founder of The Roots has added to his already-good name by establishing himself as a top-notch documentarian, and in this project he uncovers behind-the-scenes stories behind the show's most iconic performance while highlighting its surprising influence on music history.