Before his passing in 1963, scholar W.E.B. DuBois dedicated many years to creating an encyclopedia highlighting the histories and cultures of people of African descent. Despite facing challenges in securing funding and support, DuBois’ vision was finally realized in 1999 with the publication of “Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African-American Experience” by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Kwame Anthony Appiah, alongside contributions from Wole Soyinka and a global community of artists and scholars.
Kahlil Joseph’s debut feature, “BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions,” draws inspiration from DuBois’ mission, offering a fresh perspective on Black culture that rivals traditional encyclopedias like “Encyclopedia Britannica.” The film combines a fictional Afro-futurist narrative, archival research on Black visual and multimedia work, and personal history, creating a unique and immersive experience for viewers.
Expanding on his previous art installation, Joseph weaves together the story of a journalist reporting on a Transatlantic Biennale with footage and excerpts from the works of Black artists such as Senga Nengudi, Garrett Bradley, and Raven Jackson. Supported by the scholarship of Saidiya Hartman, Christina Sharpe, and Dionne Brand, “BLKNWS” offers a thought-provoking exploration of Black creativity.
Despite initial challenges, “BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions” made its public debut at the Sundance Film Festival, providing audiences with a rich tapestry of Black thought and culture. Joseph’s dynamic editing style and diverse influences, including jazz and Arthur Jafa’s film essays, make the film a compelling and informative experience.
Through a blend of storytelling and historical references, Joseph delves into a future shaped by greater engagement with African diasporic art. The film’s visual beauty, captured by cinematographer Bradford Young, enhances the dreamy narrative and showcases the depth of Black artistic expression.
“BLKNWS” features various narrative threads, including a fictionalized account of DuBois’ final days and the creation of a news program called BLKNWS. By interweaving these stories with his own personal connection to DuBois’ project, Joseph pays homage to his family history and the legacy of Black cultural pioneers.
Overall, “BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions” is a tribute to Black culture and the spirit of experimentation, resonating with audiences as a powerful reflection of Joseph’s creative vision and the enduring impact of DuBois’ legacy.