What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedAfrofuturism
Ytasha L. Womack · Book · 2013
If you loved Afrofuturism, start with Black Panther (Ryan Coogler, 2018) — a film on the same thread. Below: 2 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Afrofuturism across media.
If you loved Afrofuturism, you crave stories that use speculative technology to challenge social boundaries and dismantle systemic power structures.
Films on the same thread
Black Panther
Ryan Coogler · Film · 2018
Shares a thread with Afrofuturism: Cultural Identity.
Much like the vision presented in Afrofuturism, this film explores the intersection of technological supremacy and cultural identity, grounding its superhero narrative in a powerful, anti-colonial political framework.
Sorry to Bother You
Boots Riley · Film · 2018
Shares a thread with Afrofuturism: Racial Identity.
This satire mirrors the social justice core of Afrofuturism by utilizing a surreal, dystopian lens to critique corporate exploitation and the performative nature of racial identity in modern society.
Series on the same thread
Black Mirror
Charlie Brooker · Series · 2011
Explores: Technological Dystopia, Social Commentary, Unintended Consequences.
While darker in tone, this anthology series echoes the way Afrofuturism interrogates technology and identity, forcing you to confront the unintended consequences of our progress on the human condition.
Afro Samurai
Takashi Okazaki · Series · 2007
Explores: Revenge, Father-Son Relationship, Moral Ambiguity.
This series captures the avant-garde spirit of Afrofuturism by blending traditional samurai tropes with cyberpunk aesthetics, creating a unique stage to explore complex themes of loss and moral ambiguity.
Futurama
Matt Groening · Series · 1999
Explores: Fish Out of Water, Dystopian Society, Corporate Satire.
If you enjoyed the speculative future societies found in Afrofuturism, you will appreciate how this comedy uses a distant, technologically advanced setting to satirize contemporary corporate culture and life.
For All Mankind
Ronald D. Moore · Series · 2019
Explores: Space Exploration, Cold War, Technological Advancement.
This alternate history mirrors the aspirational aspect of Afrofuturism, reimagining how rapid technological advancement and the space race can fundamentally alter the trajectory of human society and family dynamics.
Podcasts on the same thread
Desinteligencia Artificial
Podcast
Explores: Modern Society, Technology, Future.
This podcast aligns with the cultural commentary found in Afrofuturism, offering a philosophical look at how modern technology shapes our future and contributes to the realization of dystopian societal themes.
How Is This Better?
Podcast
Explores: grifters, political promises, technology critique.
Much like the mission of Afrofuturism to enlighten, this podcast provides a critical lens on the intersection of corporate accountability and technology, challenging the empty promises of contemporary power structures.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Afrofuturism intended to be a purely academic text?
No, Afrofuturism is not strictly academic. The book has a twofold aim to both entertain and enlighten readers. It explores the intersection of science fiction, hip-hop, and graphic novels to empower individuals to break down social limitations and express their authentic selves.
What creative elements are covered in Afrofuturism?
Afrofuturism covers a wide range of creative elements, including the avant-garde, science fiction, cutting-edge hip-hop, black comix, and graphic novels. The book examines how these diverse mediums span both underground and mainstream pop culture to help readers understand the burgeoning movement.
Does Afrofuturism focus on specific racial or ethnic limitations?
Afrofuturism addresses racial, ethnic, and social limitations. The core purpose of the movement described in the book is to break down these barriers to empower individuals. By exploring these themes, the text encourages readers to free themselves from societal constraints.
Is Afrofuturism limited to underground pop culture?
No, Afrofuturism is not limited to underground culture. The book explains that the movement spans both underground and mainstream pop culture. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the movement by analyzing how these various cultural expressions empower individuals and challenge existing social limitations.