Every week, Kristopher Pollard from Milwaukee Film and Radio Milwaukee’s Dori Zori talk about movies — because that’s what you do when you’re Cinebuds.
Last February, having just inherited the title of Black Lens programmer at Milwaukee Film, Ty Williams absolutely nailed his selections for a series showing off the range of Black stories that have come to the big screen over the years.
Now, he’s putting that UW-Milwaukee film degree to good use once again. This time, however, he pulled in his picks around a particular theme. “Afrofuturism: Fates Beyond Fiction” includes six works — two short films and four full-length features — that jump from comic books to sci-fi horror to just plain weird.
As you’ll hear Williams explain in this episode, what unifies his selections are how they “focus on the concept of dreaming a better future or a different world than the one we live in now.” That comes across in a bunch of different ways during the series, including the bad-assery of Wesley Snipes in Blade, the code-switching absurdity of Sorry to Bother You, and the messianic star turn by music legend and generally far-out dude Sun Ra in Space Is the Place.
You’ll get to hear Williams and our trusty co-hosts talk about how he put together the full lineup (available for your ticket-purchasing pleasure down below), as well as how generally awesome the theater staff are at the Oriental and Downer theaters, and whether the third movie in a trilogy is ever the best one.
Afrofuturism: Fates Beyond Fiction
Short Film Double Feature
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 7 p.m.
Hello, Rain
Directed by C.J. 'Fiery' Obasi
Through an alchemical combination of juju and technology, a scientist-witch creates wigs that grant her and her friends supernatural powers. But when their powers grow uncontrollable, she must stop them by any means.
The Last Angel of History
Directed by John Akomfrah
Framed by the fictional story of the "data thief," this hybrid documentary takes a look at the origins, impact and significance of Afrofuturism and techno music for the black diaspora.
Sorry to Bother You
Thursday, Feb. 12 | 7:30 p.m.
Directed by Boots Riley
In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, Black telemarketer Cassius Green (LaKeith Stanfield) discovers a magical key to professional success, which propels him into a macabre universe.
Space Is the Place
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m.
Directed by John Coney
In this 1974 classic, Sun Ra and his Solar Myth Arkestra return to Earth after several years in space. Ra proclaims himself “the alter-destiny,” meets with inner-city youths and battles with the devil himself to save the Black race.
Nope
Thursday, Feb. 19 | 7 p.m.
Directed by Jordan Peele
The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling phenomenon.
Blade
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7 p.m.
Directed by Stephen Norrington
The Daywalker known as "Blade" — a half-vampire, half-mortal man — becomes the protector of humanity against an underground army of vampires.
