‘MORE THAN A MOVIE’

‘Black Panther’ is not just a movie, rather it provides us with the opportunity for cultural and critical discussion.

This comment was made by Dr. Derryck Murray, Deputy Director for the Commission of Pan African Affairs as he made a few remarks during a private screening of the movie Black Panther at the Olympus Theatres Wednesday night.

The evening was hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and its agencies, the Commission for Pan African Affairs and the Culture Policy and Research Section in honour of African Awareness month in Barbados.

“We’re here tonight because it’s a vehicle for awareness. It’s an opportunity for discourse, an opportunity for debate and critique of imperialism, domination, self-esteem, black people, position of power and beauty,” he said.

“Even though we are here to be fascinated and enjoy the movie, I’m certain that you will still have your critical caps on.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley believes that the movie premier and event came at a time when it was not only timely, but relevant.

“It’s not only timely, not only in the foreboding reasons, but it is also much needed at this time when there appears to be a resurgence of voices across the globe that seem to promote racial hatred,” he said.

“This movie, Black Panther, with roots in Oakland in the United States, just like the black activist group of the same name, provides an opportunity of discourse by all of us on issues in Africa, issues of identity, issues of race, issues of cultural diversity, imperialism and colonialism.”

Echoing Murray’s comments, the Minister believed that the event held Wednesday night was not merely about entertainment, rather it was a movie about awareness. He added that the event gave them the opportunity to highlight the work of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, since the movie also symbolised many of their programmes, ranging from youth and cultural development, entrepreneurship to race equality and Afrocentric awareness.