A Note About the Likkle Global Film Archive
Working on and expanding the Likkle Global Film Archive has truly been a labor of love. As I dive into the Black cinematic history of each country, I learn about the heart and soul of this medium I’ve come to love. What started as a class project for my Masters, has become part of what I feel is my life’s work: advancing the storytelling of the Black diaspora.
My goal with this digital global film archive is to become a source for a wide variety of Black films across the diaspora. Whether these films are from major productions, paid for by the state, by private investment, or come from first-time and relatively unknown filmmakers, they will be available on this platform. I want this archive to make it that much harder for someone to say the Black films they seek “don’t exist”, because that couldn’t be further from the truth. I also want American audiences, used to the production and aesthetic of Hollywood films, to become more familiar with cinematic traditions in other countries so our appreciation for this medium can expand past what we’ve become accustomed to.
On a final note,
I am currently one person working on this archive. It is not possible for me to watch every film posted. I’m striving to include a range of films in each country that represent the history of Black people on screen. I recognize that in some cases the subject matter of a film might be a problematic representation to some or not include a major presence of Black actors on screen. In some cases, I included films by Black filmmakers despite there not being Black actors on screen. If a film is believed to be problematic in some sense, please reach out on our Contact page politely explaining why. I will watch and review the film and either remove it from the archive or add a disclaimer.
I, unfortunately, cannot source every film despite my best efforts. Some films are truly hard to find and/or are not available to stream anywhere, nor are there any current screenings or showings. Please understand that some countries have growing film industries, meaning not all filmmakers have the capabilities and resources to get distribution after their film has been released. If there is a film you are interested in, I encourage you to reach out to the director and/or producer who will likely make the film accessible to you for a fee.
Lastly, as I am only a one-person operation, it will take time for me to continue to grow the archive. I am still in school and will be working on this to the best of my abilities in between classes, work, and assignments. I randomly select a country, pore over as many resources as I can, aggregate the films, and then scour the Internet for information on them. This takes a lot of labor, as I try my best to be as thorough as possible. If I have not yet gotten to a country, please be patient. Submissions are also highly welcomed and encouraged! I can’t possibly catch everything as much as I’d like to. If a new film comes out, or I’ve missed one that’s already been released that you feel should be included (both indie and established productions) please fill out the submission form on the Likkle Global Film Archive page. I will review it and include it!
Thank you so much for being a part of this process and watching it develop and unfold. I truly believe with more input from others, we can truly begin to shift and make strides in the entertainment industry. Too many talented Black filmmakers have what it takes but are missing access to funding, resources, and audiences, that can take their work to the next level. Too many talented Black actors have stunted careers because their amazing work isn’t recognized. I can’t say that I have the solution, but I have a voice and so do you. No matter how challenging it looks now, I truly believe the more we make Black voices heard, the more power we will have to bring our films more to the forefront.
We likkle, but we tallawah!