The World of Black Film

Selected as the 'Best Book about Black Cinema' in 'The 25 Best Books about Cinema Every Film Lover Should Read' - Time Out

'My Brother Ashley Clark Has Broke It Down To What Black Film Was, Is Present Day, And What The Future Might Be. BLAK IZ BLAK. YA-DIG SHO-NUFF. Enjoy This BLAK CINEMATIC SCIENCE.' - Spike Lee

'An indispensable guide for any film lover yearning to learn more about Black cinema.' - GQ

The World of Black Film is an entertaining, informed, and thought-provoking survey of important and influential Black films from around the globe. Starting with the unfinished silent comedy Lime Kiln Club Field Day (1913) and concluding with Steve McQueen's World War II epic Blitz (2024), this book takes readers on an exciting journey through an eclectic mix of classics and hidden gems spanning more than 100 years and 30 countries.

Beautifully designed and bursting with eye-catching film imagery and poster art, this is essential reading for general film fans, enthusiasts of Black cinema, educators, and students alike.


Includes a foreword by Sir John Akomfrah, CBE RA.

Films and directors include:


Black Orpheus (Marcel Camus, 1959)

Black Girl (Ousmane Sembène, 1966)

Hollywood Shuffle (Robert Townsend, 1987)

Malcolm X (Spike Lee, 1992)

Belle (Amma Asante, 2013)

Timbuktu (Abderrahmane Sissako, 2015)

Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016)

Black Panther (Ryan Coogler, 2018)

Saint Omer (Alice Diop, 2022)

Dahomey (Mati Diop, 2024)

Blitz (Steve McQueen, 2024)


'This book belongs on the shelf of every film lover, every student of cinema, and everyone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling. It's a celebration, an education, and an inspiration all at once.'
- Julie Dash

'Resonant, exciting and eye-opening - one of the best books I've read about Black cinema.' - Mark Cousins