Exclusive | TV & Film
The screening of director Micheal Rice's powerful documentary Black As U R at the Rialto in Atlanta, GA left a profound impact on attendees. The film, which boldly examines the intersection of racial injustice and queerphobia within Black communities, delivered a poignant and timely message that resonated deeply with the audience.
Black As U R begins with a critical question: "Why do we protest racial injustice but disregard the injustices experienced by Black queer people? After all, we are just as Black as you are."
Watch Our Exclusive Street Talk Interview with Director Micheal Rice at the ATL Screening on our Official Snapchat Here!
Through this incendiary lens, Rice weaves together contemporary racial politics with a deeply personal narrative, exploring his own experiences growing up in the American South and other Black queer individuals navigating life. The film deftly unearths the pervasive queerphobia that exists within many Black communities, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in spaces that are often deemed unsafe.
Rice's storytelling is as much an act of resistance as it is a call for unity. By blending his personal history with broader social commentary, he creates a narrative that is both intimate and universally relevant. The documentary's raw honesty and unflinching examination of the complexities surrounding Black queer identity make it a must-see film for anyone invested in social justice and LGBTQ+ visibility.
Micheal Rice, a documentary filmmaker with an impressive career spanning multiple genres, has long been recognized for his impactful work. With over 23 awards to his name, Rice has collaborated with industry giants like Billy Porter, Chadwick Boseman, Audible, HBO Max, and the BBC.
His diverse portfolio includes choreographing and staging off-Broadway productions, producing and directing true crime series, and creating thought-provoking documentaries such as Party Boi and White Smoke. Rice also made history as the first director to win the esteemed "Out In The Silence" award at Frameline, the world's largest queer film festival.
Black As U R is currently on a nationwide tour, sponsored by Gilead, with screenings designed to foster dialogue and create change. Rice's production company, Rice Creative, is at the forefront of centering Black queer content, further solidifying his commitment to advocacy through art.
The film's budding popularity gained the attention of renowned actor and artist Billy Porter to come on as an executive producer. Porter will produce through his Incognegro Productions with his producing partner D.J. Gugenheim.
The screening at the Rialto was not just an opportunity to view a groundbreaking documentary; it was an invitation to engage in a critical conversation about the intersections of race and sexuality. The audience left the theater not only moved by Rice's story but also with a renewed sense of urgency to address the injustices faced by Black queer individuals.
In a world where LGBTQ+ representation is often overlooked in discussions of racial justice, Black As U R stands as a powerful reminder that the fight for equality must include all members of the Black community. Micheal Rice's work continues to push boundaries, and his latest documentary is a testament to the power of film as a tool for social change.
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