Review by Choice Review
Using data from some 2,000 films featuring black actors (1980s and onward), Ndounou provides a comprehensive examination of African American filmmakers' experience in producing, distributing, and marketing economically profitable films in the Hollywood cinema industry. Most compelling is her demonstration of how industry standards make it difficult for black films to generate profits. She argues that films that do generate proceeds at the box office "feature[e] black actors in all the major roles and white actors in only minor roles, [which] would be perceived as lacking in diversity"; in addition, she contends that "race-based economic principles guide [the industry's] investment decisions and distribution deals." Ndounou suggests practices that will circumnavigate some of these obstacles, e.g., a so-called creole model that encourages horizontal integration rather than the traditional vertical integration associated with the cinema industry. In addition, she encourages filmmakers to employ hybrid distribution practices, take advantage of new media, engage in performative indigenization, exploit theater and stage audiences, capitalize on black women's literature, and utilize "black star power." Ndounou concludes that "black film is ... most successful when narrative, visual, and aural strategies actively incorporate black cultural perspectives and use intersectionality with the understanding that through specificity we recognize the universal." This thorough, well-researched book is a must read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals. --Charlene B. Regester, Univ. of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
