Nia Long’s filmography includes classics in genres like as comedy and drama, which are generally classed as “Black movies.” Regrettably, she isn’t feeling it.
The 52-year-old actress recently discussed why she believes isolating Black-led films from other categories in Hollywood is counterproductive.
Buzzfeed spoke with Long about her casting process since she first debuted on TV as Brandi in Boyz N The Hood. The actress from Best Man: The Final Chapters was then asked about how black films are branded.
“I feel like sometimes the roles choose me if that makes sense. Whenever I’ve really wanted something, it never happens. So, I sort of just know that I’m not in charge of that. I have this thing in me that says, “I’m being used to tell stories, to inspire our people, and to serve as a voice, so I’m going to just trust this process.” If I read a script and I love it, and I say, “I’ve got to do that,” then I’m going to do it.”
Staying on subject, the source chatted with the actress about people identifying some celebrities as “Black famous” and streaming platforms naming their films as “Black movies.” Nia stated that she believes the phrases are demeaning to the films, despite the fact that they appear to be good.
“I believe terms like that limit us,” Nia told BuzzFeed. “I also have to catch myself every now and then because I’m very proud of who I am.”
The actress went on to say that she is pleased to be Black and to represent despite the fact that there are categories.
“When I use the word Black, I don’t use it as a way to separate ourselves from anyone — I use it as a way to put an exclamation point behind our greatness, because I don’t think that it’s always been celebrated and recognized. But I’m also a lover of mankind and human beings and accepting of all people that are good, so multiculturalism is equally as important to me. But I’m here to represent who we are and if you want to come along for the ride, everyone’s welcome!” she added.
Main Image: Nia Long/ Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY MEDIA GROUP
The post Nia Long believes that labelling black-led films as “black movies” is harmful—”terms like that hold us back” appeared first on Entertainment SA - South African Entertainment News, Celebrity and Lifestyle Online Magazine & Entertainment.
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