Representation in Cinema

Our Voices Project LLC
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  • Film Reviews

We discuss the representation of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people in movies. We address the things that we love seeing, the tropes and stereotypes that Hollywood continues to perpetuate on screen, and what representation we'd like to see moving forward. You can listen to this podcast on any podcast platform!

  1. Sep 10

    ¡Presente! Latin Cinematic Heritage Film Series

    Tonight we’re happy to have Jason Barber back to talk about the upcoming ¡Presente! Latin Cinematic Heritage Series starting Wednesday, September 16 at the George Eastman Museum. For the second year in a row, the Dryden Theatre is partnering with the ¡Presente! Film Series to highlight the often-overlooked contributions Latin Americans have made to cinema worldwide. Both in front of and behind the camera, Latin-Americans have told us stories of family bliss, biblical epics, the macabre, tragedy, and their own integration into American culture, as reflected in this series. Viewing the films through the lens of the artists who brought them to life — Desi Arnaz, Ramon Novarro, Luis Valdez, Edward James Olmos, Raul Julia, Anthony Quinn, and more — take a brief journey through the last century of cinema in this series of five films, free to everyone. Returning to the podcast is Jason Barber, a Cuban American educator and artist with over a decade of experience in Rochester’s arts and non-for-profit sectors. As an active public artist in Rochester, he has served in many roles for a variety of Rochester’s art institutions– Rochester Brainery, Oxford Gallery, Memorial Art Gallery, Wall\Therapy, and the Yards Art Collective. He currently sits on the development and outreach boards for AC3 arts council, Latinx Art Council, and Catholic Charities of Rochester. Currently, he is the site manager for the international Plaza, which is part of the Public Market. He is also a massive film lover with an encyclopedia’s worth of knowledge in cinema. Come watch the films for free AND support the Latin-owned businesses and events at the International Plaza during Latin Heritage Month! Mentioned in this episode: Behind the Glass Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

  2. Aug 27

    Candyman (1992 & 2021)

    Hey pod and Happy Thursday! This episode is the 5th part of our Black August series, where we talk about the films that highlight Black resistance, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. Tonight, we turn to horror, which is a genre that often lends itself to the brutality that is our history as well as current events. Candyman is a horror film written and directed by Bernard Rose released in 1992. Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams) while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago's Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend that some of her neighbors believe to be responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman's description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real. We will also be discussing the remake written by Jordan Peele and directed by Nia DaCosta, released in 2021 starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris. We have Luticha Doucette, a returning guest joining us virtually. Luticha is the author of the groundbreaking book: Cultivating An Intersectional Mindset. She also was featured in an anthology, called Our Power- A Solitary Reverie. An inductee into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame established by the National Disability Mentoring Coalition and the 2020 – 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awardee from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Luticha’s research and writing has been featured in various publications such as Insect Molecular Biology, Toxicon, The New York Times, and Yes! Magazine. She is the owner of Catalyst Consulting Associates, which helps organizations, leaders, and advocates examine equity across race, gender identity, and disability in policies, practices, procedures, and relationships. Helpful articles for this episode: https://ndquarterly.org/2022/01/06/short-take-race-and-urbanism-in-nia-dacostas-candyman https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/aug/25/candyman-review-nia-dacosta-jordan-peele-horror https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/aug/21/candyman-yahya-abdul-mateen-ii Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads. Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with another episode going into September to finish our Black August series with Attica (which is on YouTube). Chapters 00:00 Intro 08:35 Cultural Commentary and Social Issues in Candyman 11:45 The Role of Race and Identity in Horror 14:35 Humanization and Resistance in the Sequel 17:36 The Impact of Gentrification and Police Violence 20:34 Conclusion: Lessons from Candyman 33:08 Representation of Black Women in Cinema 40:55 Exploring Black Struggles in Horror Films 45:50 The Role of Animation in Horror Representation Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription! Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

  3. Aug 20

    Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special

    Hey pod and Happy Thursday! Tonight is the 4th part of our Black August series, where we talk about the films that highlight Black resistance, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. Sometimes Black resistance comes not only with physically fighting back, but with speaking against injustice putting pen to paper. Tonight, we’re diving into Ida B Wells: A Chicago Stories Special, produced and written by Stacy Robinson. Freed from slavery just six months after she was born, Ida B. Wells once described her childhood with her parents and siblings in Holly Springs, Mississippi as “happy.” But a tragedy would alter the course of Wells’ youth. As a young woman and teacher, she refused to give up her seat on a train car that she was told was reserved for white women. That incident launched the young Wells into her first public fight for justice. Through writing, Ida B. Wells found her “real” self. As she wrote, her words became an important tool to analyze, debate, and persuade readers on the issues of the day, particularly when it came to race and gender. But after the lynching of her close friend in Memphis, Wells found a new kind of power in her pen. There are a few folks joining us on the podcast tonight to talk about this documentary. Luticha André Doucette is the author of the groundbreaking book: Cultivating An Intersectional Mindset (Buy on Thriftbooks or Amazon.) She also was featured in an anthology, called Our Power- A Solitary Reverie (Buy on IngramSpark). An inductee into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame established by the National Disability Mentoring Coalition and the 2020 – 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awardee from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Luticha’s research and writing has been featured in various publications such as Insect Molecular Biology, Toxicon, The New York Times, and Yes! Magazine. She is the owner of Catalyst Consulting Associates, which helps organizations, leaders, and advocates examine equity across race, gender identity, and disability in policies, practices, procedures, and relationships. You can follow her at https://www.instagram.com/freedomofmovement35. Brionna Dunn is the author of the upcoming children's photography and emotional literacy workbook Follow The Lens: My World Through My Eyes. She’s also a creative director and the owner of the visual branding and photography agency Follow The Lens (also operating as Alejandra Paris Photos). Her photographic work spans editorial, portrait, fashion, event, and maternity photography, including serving as a featured photographer for the 5th Annual A&B Fashionista Fashion Show. You can follow her at https://www.instagram.com/follwthelens. Dr. Katrina Overby is an assistant professor in the School of Communication at RIT, a public speaker, DJ, community connector, and recurring guest on the Our Voices podcast. Her work centers Black women’s representation in popular and digital media, sisterhoods in and beyond the academy, and Black feminist approaches to storytelling, pedagogy, and community care—work she continues through her newly launched brand and YouTube channel, SPIN Dr. KO Media. Make sure you go subscribe to her channel! You can also read her dissertation and articles centered on Black culture on Google Scholar. Last, but certainly not least, follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dr_ko_08. Brianna Milon is a published author, communications professional and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. You can follow her at https://www.instagram.com/yesthatbri. Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads. Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes continuing our Black August series, including Attica (which is on YouTube) and Candyman, which you can either rent online or borrow from your local library before tuning into our next episodes. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 15:22 - The Power of Women 19:24 - The Impact of Lynching and the Voices of Black Women 29:50 - Exploring Elitism and Community Division 35:32 - The Intersection of Race and Gender: Black Women's Struggles 45:14 - Community and Resistance: A Call to Action 50:57 - The Strength of Black Women and Their Sacrifices 54:46 - The Cost of Strength and Vulnerability 01:05:28 - The Untold Stories of Black Women in History 01:09:41 - Exploring Representation in Cinema Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

  4. Aug 20

    The Stroll

    Hey pod and welcome back! This is the third segment of our Black August series, where we talk about the films that highlight Black resistance, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. Tonight, we are discussing the film, The Stroll directed by Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker released in 2023. Co-Director, trans activist, and former sex worker, Kristen Lovell tells the history of New York City’s Meatpacking District during the 1980s and 1990s through her personal story and the stories of Black and Latina trans women who worked there as sex workers in an area known as "The Stroll". Joining us again on the podcast tonight is Kamryn Elhen Jerrel. Her pronouns are she/her/we/fae. She’s the former host of Tranos and the Lived Experience Podcast and releasing a new podcast soon! You can follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kamrynblaque. Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads. Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes continuing our Black August series, including discussing the documentary, Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special, which you can watch now on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML8XiKVStWQ). Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 18:38 - The Concept of Acceptable Gay Theory 30:24 - The Impact of Giuliani's Policies on Trans Lives 34:20 - The Impact of Trauma on the Trans Community 48:12 - The Journey of Resilience and Joy Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

  5. Aug 14

    Paris Is Burning

    Hey pod and welcome back! This is the second segment of our Black August series, where we talk about the films that highlight Black resistance, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. Black resistance comes in many forms and tonight we are diving into Paris Is Burning, directed by Jennie Livingston and released in 1990. It’s a documentary that provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City’s African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, Paris Is Burning offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion “houses,” from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza. Joining us on the podcast tonight is a podcast regular, Cocoa Rae David! She’s a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC, who creates captivating portraits and art of unique and diverse people and captures their true essence. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bycocoarae. (She’s also on TikTok under the same name.) Cocoa also has a studio, art gallery, and event space called Da Purp which you can follow here: https://www.instagram.com/da_purp. If you want to book her space for an upcoming event, art gallery or photography/videography session, you can visit Da Purp on Peerspace here: https://www.peerspace.com/pages/listings/649feb0b70383c000e8473c4. We also have a first-timer on the podcast, Kamyrn Ehlen Jerrel. Her pronouns are she/her/we. She’s the former host of Tranos and the Lived Experience Podcast. You can follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kamrynblaque. Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads. Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes continuing our Black August series, including Attica (which is on YouTube) and The Stroll, which you can watch on HBO Max before tuning into our next episodes. Chapters 00:00 Intro 07:04 Defining Community and the Role of Compassion 11:54 The Role of Compassion in Community 30:28 The Evolution & Revolutionary Nature of Ballroom Culture 37:53 Exploring Integrity in Documentary Filmmaking 41:43 The Controversy of Exploitation in 'Paris is Burning' 1:06:23 The Need for Authentic Representation in Black LGBTQIA2S+ Cinema Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription! Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

  6. Aug 6

    Daughters of the Dust

    Hey pod and Happy Thursday! If this is your first time listening or watching, welcome to Representation in Cinema – we talk about the films that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous voices as well as on the film industry itself. Tonight marks the beginning of our Black August series, where we talk about the films that highlight Black resistance, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. Black August was created in solidarity with freedom fighters and political prisoners in San Quentin State Prison in California, including published author, Black Panther field marshal, and thought leader—George Jackson—who was killed by prison guards in 1971. This month is not only a time to learn about the movements, uprisings, and revolutionaries from our past, but to also continue to work as a collective and in solidarity with community organizers and grassroots groups towards Black liberation. As filmmakers, it’s our duty to share stories of those who fought (and continue to fight) against and outside of destructive systems, whose very existence disrupts those systems. Hollywood is one of those entities using film as a medium to stereotype, dehumanize, and to maintain the status quo for Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples. All month long, we’ll be sharing and reflecting on these stories here on the Representation in Cinema podcast. Tonight, we’re diving into Daughters of the Dust, directed by Julie Dash. Daughters of the Dust follows the Gullah-Geechee Peazant family on Ibo Landing, South Carolina, as they prepare to migrate North. Nana Peazant, the aged matriarch, refuses to migrate and frets over the possibility of broken family ties and lost traditions. Joining us on the podcast tonight is Cocoa Rae David, who I think at this point is no longer a guest, but a regular on the RIC pod! She’s a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC, who creates captivating portraits and art of unique and diverse people and captures their true essence. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bycocoarae. (She’s also on TikTok under the same name.) Cocoa also has a studio, art gallery, and event space called Da Purp which you can follow here: https://www.instagram.com/da_purp. If you want to book her space for an upcoming event, art gallery or photography/videography session, you can visit Da Purp on Peerspace here: https://www.peerspace.com/pages/listings/649feb0b70383c000e8473c4. She also mentioned The Slave Dwelling Project, organized by Joseph McGill. You can visit the website to learn more and support the project here: https://slavedwellingproject.org. You can also follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/slavedwellingproject Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads. Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes continuing our Black August series, including Paris is Burning, which you can watch on HBO Max and Tubi before tuning into our next episode. This has been Jackie McGriff, your host for this episode of Representation in Cinema. As always, thank you again for listening! Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription! Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

  7. Jul 30

    We're BACK! (+ Black Representation in Fantasy)

    Hello pod – it’s been a MINUTE. In fact, we’ve been off and on for a couple of months. We wanted to update you on what’s been going on with me and with Our Voices Project PLUS talk a LITTLE BIT about Black representation in fantasy. But before I get to that if this is your first time listening and/or watching, welcome to the pod! I’m Jackie McGriff, your host of Representation in Cinema! We talk about the films that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous voices as well as on the film industry itself. I’m not only your host but also the Founder, Director, and Co-Producer of Our Voices Project, a production company committed to sharing the stories and lived experiences of Black, Brown, and Indigenous Peoples through visual storytelling and truthtelling. We’re community-engaged filmmakers who firmly believe that you can’t center films on these communities without being in community and in solidarity with them. If you’re watching this on YouTube, hit that subscribe button and hit the little bell to get notified about new episodes. If you’re listening on your preferred podcast platform, hit that follow button. If you like this episode, please rate us 5 stars and leave a comment to share your thoughts about any of the things that we bring up in this episode! This podcast also has its own Instagram page at @ricpodcast. Go give that account a follow, please! Mara Ahmed directed The Injured Body: A Film About Racism in America which is a film that everyone needs to watch. Learn how to host a screening here: https://neelumfilms.com/site/the-injured-body/ Host a screening of Being Black in America. Our goal is to partner with Black-led grassroots organizations, businesses, and non-profits to have conversations within the Black community about the issues that directly affect us and to work together towards change. You can submit a request here: www.ourvoicesproject.com/host-bbia If you are part of an organization or company who either needs event videography or wants a short documentary created to highlight all of the incredible ways you’re serving your community, send Jackie McGriff an email at info@ourvoicesproject.com to learn more information about our videography services. Why David Jonsson is the Perfect Black Panther: https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/j-rose/david-johnsson-black-panther-3-casting-reactio Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’re back to new episodes released every Thursday with our Black August series starting on Thursday, August 6. We’re talking about films that center the stories of Black revolutionaries, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. We’re covering Ida B Wells: A Chicago Special, Attica, Paris is Burning, The Stroll, Candyman, and others. We highly recommend you go watch those films and then listen to each of these spoiler specials, starting August 6. Where to Watch Our Recommended Films For Black August Candyman (1992) | Available to rent on YouTube, Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, and Fandango OR at local libraries Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special | YouTube The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971) | YouTube Daughters of the Dust (1991) | Tubi Let the Fire Burn (2013) | YouTube Attica (1980) | YouTube Paris is Burning (1990) | Available on HBO, Tubi and at local libraries The Stroll (2023) | | HBO Max or through Kanopy (Library Card required) Mentioned in this episode: Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement Joe Bean Roasters Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

  8. Jun 4

    Is God Is

    Hey pod! We are back from taking a much-needed break! Tonight, we’re talking about Is God Is, which is a must-see from us. We HIGHLY recommend watching it in theaters before it leaves. Otherwise, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime. Is God Is is a southern gothic revenge thriller that follows twin sisters, Racine and Anaia, who set out on a cross-country mission to murder their abusive father as instructed by their mother. Both them and their mother were left permanently scarred as babies when he set their mother on fire. The film is written and directed by Aleshea Harris who also wrote the play that the film is based on and it stars Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Sterling K. Brown, and Janelle Monae. Joining us on the podcast tonight are two women who are NO strangers to the podcast. Cocoa Rae David, a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC, who creates captivating portraits and art of unique and diverse people and captures their true essence. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bycocoarae. She also has a studio, art gallery, and event space called Da Purp which you can follow here: https://www.instagram.com/da_purp. Brianna Milon, a published author, communications professional and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/suunnybri. Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads. Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers! This has been Jackie McGriff, your host for this episode of Representation in Cinema. As always, thank you again for listening! Representation in Cinema is produced by Chris Lindstrom and brought to you by the Lunchador Podcast Network. Mentioned in this episode: Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement Joe Bean Roasters Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription! Common Thread Check out Common Thread on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/common-threads-hardcore/

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About

We discuss the representation of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people in movies. We address the things that we love seeing, the tropes and stereotypes that Hollywood continues to perpetuate on screen, and what representation we'd like to see moving forward. You can listen to this podcast on any podcast platform!

Information

  • Creator
    Our Voices Project LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Our Voices Project LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    Representation in Cinema