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If you were to ask me my favorite soul food dish, I would have to say baked mac and cheese. But I would also say colla’d greens. How about some ‘tatah salad? Can’t forget black-eye peas—Man! Just too much to choose from.

Variety! That is what I look for in many of the things that interest me. Unfortunately I am not seeing that in many black films today.

What I do see is either the same ‘ol family reunion theme, the story of how lil’ man had to make a choice between selling drugs for a living or becoming a professional “hustlah”, another story of the drama of finding the right man or woman only to find out later one of them has MAJOR issues. And let’s not forget the Jim Crow-era stories.

Mac and cheese is good, but I still have room on my plate for something else.

I am reminded of a scene in the movie “Hollywood Shuffle” where Robert Townsend’s character dreamed of playing roles outside of the norm (Superman, Shakespeare, mystery, etc.). Now don’t get me wrong, black folks have played many of these roles and more. I’m talking about films that feature an all black cast (films we produce).

Many of the movies that I saw as a child had a way of capturing my imagination. Sure, I knew full well that I would never be a real-life superman, space fighter pilot, etc., but these movies sure did play a major role in developing my creativity. I’m just not seeing that same creative uniqueness in many of our films (even considering black indie films). Maybe its just me.

I know funding does play a major role in this issue, but there is something else that I have noticed.

The “keep it real” factor

I think besides funding, there is a reluctancy to go beyond the typical black movie theme because the first thing most of us will do is immediately conclude that a black man/woman in our own movies could not get away with that in the real world. This is something that is often joked about in many stand-up comedy routines. I think this ultimately does more harm than good for our young people who are looking for creative inspiration besides hip-hop.

For all the past and present black filmmakers out there, thanks for all of your hard labor and inspiration. For our future filmmakers, continue their legacy by going beyond the norm.