(bfm) black film magik by Ernest B

What happens when revenge becomes your identity? And what does healing look like when you’ve spent your entire life carrying someone else’s pain as well as your own?

The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, look at how they were made, talk about what they get right, and what they leave behind.

This week on The Cinematic Soul, I revisit the 1975 cult classic Mahogany starring Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams. From the moment the opening runway sequence begins, Mahogany feels like a dream wrapped in glamour, ambition, loneliness, and desire. I talk about the haunting beauty of “Do You Know Where You’re Going To?”, the way Chicago is captured through a 1970s lens, Diana Ross’ unforgettable screen presence, and why her eyes carry so much of the emotional weight of the film even in its quieter moments.

The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, look at how they were made, talk about what they get right, and what they leave behind.

The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, look at how they were made, talk about what they get right, and what they leave behind.

In this episode, let’s sit down for a deep conversation about Get On Up and why Chadwick Boseman’s performance as James Brown still feels so powerful. I break down the film’s storytelling choices, cinematography, the way music drives emotion, and how Chadwick completely disappeared into the role.

The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, unpack the culture behind them, and celebrate the stories that stay with us.

The Cinematic Soul is where we talk about movies through the lens of Black culture, history, and the music that lives inside these stories.

Dreamgirls (2006) remains one of the most influential modern Black musical films. In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I sit down with Shani Showbiz to talk about the legacy of Dreamgirls, from Jennifer Hudson’s unforgettable performance as Effie White to Beyoncé’s portrayal of Deena Jones, and the complicated ways Black women have been seen and sometimes boxed in by the music industry and Hollywood.

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I sit down with one of the most important films of my life, Spike Lee’s Crooklyn. A movie that raised me.

In 1992, ABC aired a five hour event that felt bigger than television. The Jacksons: An American Dream is ICONIC! It was a Black family story told at a scale we did not see often back then. Gary, Indiana to global stages. Talent, tension, discipline, dreams. All of it.

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul Podcast, we sit with The Temptations and talk through why it still resonates decades after its original airing.

Season premiere baby! 🎙️

What happens when love turns into a chess match? Vivica, Morris, Gabrielle, and the messy brilliance of Two Can Play That Game.

*Sorry for the delay! There was an issue uploading and I had to talk to Riverside support for two days 🥱*

Let’s go on a soulful deep dive into Brown Sugar (2002), one of the most beloved Black romantic comedies of the early 2000s. This episode of The Cinematic Soul explores how the film blends hip-hop culture, Black love, and friendship into a timeless story.

What does it mean to grow up Black, goofy, and just trying to see who can get the most numbers? This week, I revisit one of my all-time favorite films, The Wood, and the layers Rick Famuyiwa gave us in his 1999 ode to brotherhood and coming-of-age 🙌🏾. Let’s go to The Wood!

This week on The Cinematic Soul, I’m revisiting Claudine with all of my thoughts and reflections. From Diahann Carroll’s layered performance to James Earl Jones redefining what love looks like under pressure, this one’s personal. I talked about what this film taught me about my own mother, the broken systems our families navigate, and the Curtis Mayfield soundtrack that still speaks volumes. If Claudine meant something to you, or if you’re just discovering it, take a listen!

Mara Brock Akil dropped a gem with Forever! This coming-of-age love story that hits deep. From family scars to first love and flashing lights, it’s layered and loud in all the right ways. I couldn’t wait to talk about this in my own way! This one’s a smash. Let’s get into it.

If Part One cracked the door open, Part Two will really leave you thinking!

I had to hop on the mic for this one! Sinners isn’t just a movie. It’s a sermon, a spirit bath, and a cultural reckoning all wrapped in blues and blood. In this special bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down Ryan Coogler’s newest film and why it shook me to my core. From the Hoodoo-rooted power of Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie to the haunting beauty of the cinematography, the generational trauma, the music, and that juke joint scene? Yeah… we’re going there.

First off, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for listening this season! Carving out a space for niche content like this that is FUBU is vital, and your engagement verifies the necessity of diverse voices in the cinematic conversations. In this season finale, we dive into B.A.P.S., a feel-good flick that delivers the hearty laughs we all need sometimes. Joining me is the vibrant Shani Showbiz, whose insights add an extra layer of depth to our discussion. Get ready for the sermon! Be sure to follow Shani on Instagram @damngirlyouknoweverybody and on TikTok @tinyybiggs. Don’t forget to follow The Cinematic Soul podcast on Instagram @cinematicsoulpod to stay updated on future episodes and content for season 2! 🙏🏾

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s delve into the remarkable narratives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, the African American mathematicians whose brilliance propelled NASA’s missions during the Space Race. Join me as we celebrate these trailblazing women who transformed the face of science and space exploration. 

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I wanted to explore the 1995 classic Waiting to Exhale. Directed by Forest Whitaker and adapted from Terry McMillan’s novel, the film tells the stories of Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—four African-American women navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. With stellar performances by Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, Waiting to Exhale offers an authentic portrayal of sisterhood and resilience. Also, stay tuned for a special guest near the end of this episode!

Cleo went out like a legend. Set It Off (1996) was a story of sisterhood, survival, and defiance. From its gritty cinematography to that gut-wrenching final scene, tune in to listen to the breakdown of why this film still hits in 2025. Buckle up, we’re setting it off.

Poetic Justice isn’t just a movie, it’s a moment! It’s poetry, love, grief, and fate all wrapped up in a road trip, with Janet and Pac at the center of it. Let’s break down why this film still hits all these years later.

The heat is rising, and we’re stepping into one of the most powerful films ever made—Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a mirror. From the scorching streets of Brooklyn to the boiling tensions between cultures, this film forces you to confront hard truths.

Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou is an experience. A Southern Gothic masterpiece wrapped in memory, mysticism, and trauma. On this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the depths of this haunting 1997 classic.

Gina Prince-Bythewood understood the assignment. In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down how she carved out a lane for Black love stories with Beyond the Lights. We’ll also talk about Cynthia Erivo’s rise to fame (shoutout to Fly Before You Fall for putting me on) and why this film never got the flowers it deserved. If you’re still feeling that Valentine’s Day love hangover, this one’s for you.

“All’s fair in love and basketball right…” This week on The Cinematic Soul, we’re breaking down Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2000 classic Love & Basketball.

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the legacy of Boomerang—not just as a romantic comedy, but as a cultural blueprint. From Reginald Hudlin’s sleek direction to the film’s rich cinematography, sharp costume design, and one of the smoothest R&B soundtracks ever curated, we’re breaking down the artistry that made this film an undeniable classic.

Weddings are supposed to bring people together… unless, of course, a certain book exposes secrets that should’ve stayed buried. The Best Man gave us romance, brotherhood, and just the right amount of messy drama, all wrapped up in one of the most iconic Black ensemble films of the 90s!

Is Love Jones the ultimate Black romance film, or does nostalgia make us see it through rose-colored glasses? In this debut episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s dive into the poetry, the passion, and the beautifully flawed love story of Darius and Nina. From 90s Chicago’s cinematic glow to the way this film redefined Black romance on screen—let’s talk about why Love Jones still hits different. Tap in.