The World of Black Film

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), The World of Black Film 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 film lovers, 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)

Malcolm X (Spike Lee, 1992)

Belle (Amma Asante, 2013)

Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016)

Black Panther (Ryan Coogler, 2018)


Praise for The World of Black Film:

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

"A thoughtful, joyful survey of Black cinema." - Selected as the Best Book about Black Cinema in Time Out's The 25 Best Books About Cinema Every Film Lover Should Read.

"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

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

"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