The new millennium is filled to the brim with African Americans who’ve
directed films. Many of the barriers to broader black inclusion from the past
have been relaxed, with new tools and technology allowing for greater
access than ever. Forest Whitaker is known as one of the best actors in
Hollywood, but he has directed such hit films as Waiting to Exhale (1996)
and First Daughter (2004).
While Allen and Albert Hughes aka the Hughes Brothers are best known
for Menace II Society (1993), Dead Presidents (1995) and The Book of Eli
(2010). Today a slew of new voices are emerging thanks in part to social
media. I came across cult niche director Ken Ngwa via his instagram
@kenngwa
. As a director his style can be classified as empathetic, you
can’t help but feel when you watch his creations.
I guess the true sign of every artist is their impact and already this one’s
reach can be felt. A darling on the New York art scene Ken Ngwa has
made a name for himself through social media, rather unique for directors
of our age. He is best known for his 2020 Music Video, “New Bosses
Remix” a video which saw the fledgling director paired with the Grammy
Award winning musician Method-Man.
Ngwa was raised on the South Side of Chicago but originally hails from
Buea, Cameroon . Nature Boy is currently buzzing throughout New York
and has a strong reputation amongst the film festival circuit. Currently his
company Sun People Productions has been linked to several political
campaigns. Newcomer Ken Ngwa, is releasing a film already buzzing
within indie film communities. “Nature Boy,” the film named after a Nat
King Cole song is something else. The film deals with black classism and
the alienation of being another in American Society.