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Why do we love and hate blaxploitation films?
Despite spanning only five years in the mid‑1970s, the blaxploitation era of filmmaking left an indelible mark on the film industry and in the hearts and minds of many in the Black community. While some insist the movies contributed to what were already entrenched negative views of Black people, others feel they presented some of the freshest, coolest characters onscreen, accompanied by soulful soundtracks from artists like Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes. Despite being fifty years removed from the era, present‑day filmmakers borrow elements from these movies, proving that the films, despite their flaws, had great value then— and still do today. Join us on the Cup of Tea Critiques Podcast as we discuss the complex sentiments surrounding blaxploitation era films.
Send us a comment to let us know your favorite film from the blaxploitation era and why it appeals to you.
For future updates, subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen, and for email updates on all things COTC, subscribe to our website using the link below:
https://www.cupofteacritiques.com/subscribe
References
“Blaxploitation Breakdown.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTWQCKxT324.
“The History of Blaxploitation.” Film is Just Moving Pictures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryWxUZD-Rxs&pp=ygUcYmxheHBsb2l0YXRpb24gZmlsbXMgaGlzdG9yeQ%3D%3D.
“How Blaxploitation Films Saved Hollywood.” Flag Bearer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsLPg2lxXSQ.
Kench, Sam. “What is Blaxploitation—An American Film Movement Explained.” Studiobinder (May 25 2025). https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-blaxploitation-definition/.
Miller, Alyssa. “What is Blaxploitation? Understanding the American Film Movement.” The Script Lab. (February 14 2024). https://thescriptlab.com/blogs/40717-what-is-blaxploitation-understanding-the-american-film-movement/.
Shaahid, Keyshawn. “The Rise of Blaxploitation: Why it Changed Cinema Forever.” Medium. (July 11 2023). https://medium.com/@keyshawnshaahid/the-rise-of-blaxploitation-why-it-changed-cinema-forever-e111094ee247.
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We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed sharing. Join us again for another deep look with a deep brew!
- Stay in touch on all things COTC by subscribing on our website at cupofteacritiques.com.
- Follow us on Letterboxd at COTCritiques.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at CUPOFTEACRITIQUES.
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By COTC TeamDespite spanning only five years in the mid‑1970s, the blaxploitation era of filmmaking left an indelible mark on the film industry and in the hearts and minds of many in the Black community. While some insist the movies contributed to what were already entrenched negative views of Black people, others feel they presented some of the freshest, coolest characters onscreen, accompanied by soulful soundtracks from artists like Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes. Despite being fifty years removed from the era, present‑day filmmakers borrow elements from these movies, proving that the films, despite their flaws, had great value then— and still do today. Join us on the Cup of Tea Critiques Podcast as we discuss the complex sentiments surrounding blaxploitation era films.
Send us a comment to let us know your favorite film from the blaxploitation era and why it appeals to you.
For future updates, subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen, and for email updates on all things COTC, subscribe to our website using the link below:
https://www.cupofteacritiques.com/subscribe
References
“Blaxploitation Breakdown.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTWQCKxT324.
“The History of Blaxploitation.” Film is Just Moving Pictures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryWxUZD-Rxs&pp=ygUcYmxheHBsb2l0YXRpb24gZmlsbXMgaGlzdG9yeQ%3D%3D.
“How Blaxploitation Films Saved Hollywood.” Flag Bearer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsLPg2lxXSQ.
Kench, Sam. “What is Blaxploitation—An American Film Movement Explained.” Studiobinder (May 25 2025). https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-blaxploitation-definition/.
Miller, Alyssa. “What is Blaxploitation? Understanding the American Film Movement.” The Script Lab. (February 14 2024). https://thescriptlab.com/blogs/40717-what-is-blaxploitation-understanding-the-american-film-movement/.
Shaahid, Keyshawn. “The Rise of Blaxploitation: Why it Changed Cinema Forever.” Medium. (July 11 2023). https://medium.com/@keyshawnshaahid/the-rise-of-blaxploitation-why-it-changed-cinema-forever-e111094ee247.
Send us a text
SUBSCRIBE
Footer
We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed sharing. Join us again for another deep look with a deep brew!
- Stay in touch on all things COTC by subscribing on our website at cupofteacritiques.com.
- Follow us on Letterboxd at COTCritiques.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at CUPOFTEACRITIQUES.
- For comments and questions, email us at [email protected].