MGM+ has flagged “Hollywood Black,” a new documentary (“Dear White People,” “Haunted Mansion”) directed by Justin Simien.
Based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, this four-part documentary tells the epic story of the actors, writers, directors and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on screen and in the credits. It is the definitive chronicle of a century of the black experience in Hollywood, and a powerful retelling of a quintessentially American story—in brilliant color.
“Hollywood, like many American industries, was built on Black culture and Black talent, even though it excluded Black people from many of its origin stories,” Simien said in a statement. “This series seeks to highlight present-day controversies from #OscarSoWhite to the almost routine ‘blackface reveal’ of prominent white celebrities told through the lens of black individuals in Hollywood history. This is the most important story ever told, On such a massive scale, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to tell it with this team.
The series is produced by Simien’s Culture Machine, Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Critical Productions, and Academy Award-winning creative production company RadicalMedia.
Simien, Whitaker, Bongiovi and RadicalMedia’s Dave Sirulnik, Stacey Reiss, John Kamen (“Summer of Soul”) and Jeffrey Swartz will all serve as executive producers. Amy Goodman Kass will serve as showrunner.
“We love collaborating with visionary filmmakers, so it’s an honor to work with Justin Simien/Culture Machine and Radical Media on Hollywood Black, especially Michael Wright and MGM+,” Whitaker said in a statement. With great support.” “Through this meaningful exploration of Black history in cinema, we are excited to celebrate its future.”
“Hollywood Black” is the latest addition to MGM+’s library of acclaimed documentaries, which includes “Amityville: An Origin Story,” “Murph the Surf,” the Emmy-nominated “Laurel Canyon,” “Helter Skelter,” “Slow Burn,” . My Life as a Rolling Stone,” “NFL Icon” and Blumhouse’s “Collection of Horrors.”
