This week, on the last In Between Episode, we summarize the most notable films in the history of Black Horror. We discuss the how depictions of Black individuals in horror films has reflected discriminatory views, has attempted to change views, and has set standards for filmmakers throughout time. The films discussed, starting with Birth of a Nation in 1915 and ending with Us in 2019, evidence how long and arduous the battle has been for Black individuals to be represented accurately in horror as well as to be given the platform to contribute creatively to horror culture. Finally, this episode serves as a reminder to be seek your own implicit biases and be alert for biases in our own communities (particularly in metal and horror-focused ones) that need to be challenged, even where it might not seem relevant. Appropriate representations of BIPOC matter.

Films Noted and Discussed:

• Birth of a Nation (1915)
• Chloe, Love is Calling You (1934)
• Son of Ingagi (1940)
• King of the Zombies (1941)
• Monster from Green Hell (1957)
• Night of the Living Dead (1968)
• Blacula (1972)
• Ganja and Hess (1973)
• Abby (1974)
• The Shining (1980)
• Candyman (1992)
• Tales from the Hood (1995)
• Demon Knight (1995)
• Eve's Bayou (1997)
• Jeepers Creepers (2001)
• Bones (2001)
• Queen of the Damned (2002)
• Alien vs. Predator (2004)
• Annabelle (2014)
• Get Out (2018)
• Us (2019)
• Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2020)

Sources:

Tananarive Due Interview with Buzzfeed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjrFJaHzIws

Danielle A. Scruggs, "Eleven Essential Black Horror Classics To Watch Right Now": https://www.okayplayer.com/culture/the-best-black-horror-movies-all-time.html

Sonaiya Kelley, "A Timeline of the Most Influential Black Horror Films and Filmmakers": https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-black-horror-films-influential-movies-timeline-20190315-story.html

Robin R. Means "We're in a Golden Age of Black Horror Films": https://theconversation.com/were-in-a-golden-age-of-black-horror-films-116648