Pam Grier, the iconic figure of Blaxploitation films, reflects on her groundbreaking career and the impact it had on women in the film industry. From her roles in films like Foxy Brown and Coffy to Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, Grier has left a lasting impression on the industry. She expresses her gratitude and honor for all the people who taught her so much throughout her career.
While much has been written about the Blaxploitation era and Grier’s role in it, she is now focused on a new era of Black filmmaking, particularly in the streaming space. Grier and her former Blaxploitation co-star, Antonio Fargas, are experiencing a resurgence in their careers with Tubi Original films produced by Village Roadshow Pictures and Content Cartel. These films are part of the new “Black Noir Cinema” slate, created in association with Fox Entertainment Studios.
Grier stars in their first project, Cinnamon, written and directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June and is currently available for streaming on Tubi. Grier portrays Mama, a hearing-impaired drug cartel matriarch seeking revenge on a desperate young couple who inadvertently get involved in her plans. This character is reminiscent of the strong, dominant female roles Grier played earlier in her career.
Reflecting on her career, Grier explains that she had to develop an audience who accepted a woman in dominant male roles, and she pushed boundaries by performing daring stunts and martial arts scenes. Over the past five decades, the African American audience has evolved, allowing for more diverse representations of Black culture on platforms like Tubi. Grier highlights Tubi’s significant achievement of over 5 billion streaming hours in the previous year, emphasizing the platform’s impact and reach.
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Antonio Fargas, another Blaxploitation-era star, joins Grier in Black Noir Cinema’s second Tubi original feature, Murder City. The film marks a full-circle moment for both actors, as they previously appeared together in Foxy Brown, one of the most iconic films of the Blaxploitation genre.
Although Blaxploitation films have received criticism for potentially perpetuating harmful stereotypes, both Fargas and Grier reject those claims. Fargas explains that the intention behind Blaxploitation was not exploitation but rather a platform for Black opportunity. At the time, it was challenging to feel proud of their work as they were primarily driven by the desire for success and recognition. However, they believe that they were able to express themselves and address societal issues through their roles.
Oz Scott, a veteran producer who worked on Murder City alongside NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, praises Grier and Fargas for their contributions to the industry and ensures that they are not forgotten or ignored. Garnett echoes Scott’s sentiment, recognizing Grier and Fargas as trailblazers who paved the way for a whole generation of actors and filmmakers.
In Murder City, Fargas portrays Graham, a criminal father who convinces his son, played by Mike Colter, a dedicated cop and husband, to assist him in one final deal. The plan goes awry, forcing Neil, the son, to come up with a desperate plan to regain control of his life, which his father’s actions jeopardized. Fargas emphasizes that despite Graham’s flaws, his character still possesses undeniable humanity, exploring the power of family in the context of the Blaxploitation genre and contemporary Black cinema.
Fargas concludes by saying that these films touch upon the universal aspect of family, uncovering what goes on behind closed doors and emphasizing the importance of family bonds. He believes that they have stumbled upon something significant and refined it to continue delivering powerful stories.
In summary, Pam Grier and Antonio Fargas have returned to the forefront of the film industry with Tubi Original films, marking a new era of Black filmmaking. They reject the notion that Blaxploitation films were exploitative and instead view them as platforms for Black opportunity. Their roles in Cinnamon and Murder City showcase their talents and shed light on the power of family narratives within the genre. Through collaborations with platforms like Tubi, the legacy and impact of Blaxploitation cinema continue to resonate with audiences today.
