TV/Film | Chicago Defender

Soul – Pixar’s First Film To Feature an African American Protagonist.

Donna Hammond, Contributing Writer - December 22, 2020

Pixar Animation Studios premieres its latest film, Soul, on Christmas Day. It is the first Pixar film to feature an African American lead character....

Timeless Black Love Shines in Sylvie’s Love.

Danielle Sanders - December 21, 2020

"Life's too short to waste time with things you don't absolutely love"-Sylvie's Love. Vintage love shines in Sylvie's Love, premiering December 23 on Amazon Prime....

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is Full of Sweet Surprises.

Okema Gunn, Contributing Writer - December 19, 2020

In Debbie Allen’s Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, Allen discusses her obstacles growing up, struggles with self-esteem as a dancer, stereotypes, family, and the...

Chicago Teens Shine in Giving Voice on Netflix

Danielle Sanders - December 18, 2020

Three Chicago Teens shine in the new documentary film, Giving Voice, streaming now on Netflix. Executive produced by Constanza Romero Wilson, Costume Designer and...

How a Police Encounter as a Young Child Shaped filmmaker Hawthorne James’ Life

zengernews - December 16, 2020

The Hawthorne James filmography is an impressive one. For more than 40 years, the Chicago native has earned a place on the big screen. However,...

Tiny Lister’s Cousin on Actor’s Health, Family Rift, Prison Stint, Daughter and More

Site Editor - December 14, 2020

Amid the shock surrounding the loss of Tommy “Tiny” Lister, we’ve learned that there were aspects of his life and final years that were even...

“Come Away,” a Unique Film Merging Two Classic Fairytales.

Okema Gunn, Contributing Writer - November 25, 2020

Come Away is a 2020 fantasy drama film based on Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. The screenplay was written...

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a Glorious Display of Black Excellence.

Danielle Sanders - November 23, 2020

What happens when you take the iconic work of August Wilson, add Denzel Washington as the producer, George C. Wolfe as director, and mix...

The Cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunites

Ali Bouldin, Contributing Writer - November 17, 2020

From West Philadelphia, where he was born in raised, to his luxury palace in Bel-Air, Will Smith and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's cast share...

New Film, “Jingle Jangle”, has a Holiday Message The World can Relate To.

Danielle Sanders - November 13, 2020

Just in time for the Holidays, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey follows toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (played by Forest Whitaker). Narrated by Phylicia Rashad as...