In this episode of The Critical Cut, host Mya Whyte traces the evolution of Black storytelling in film—from the stereotypes and limitations of early Hollywood to the bold rise of 1970s Blaxploitation cinema and today’s modern renaissance of Black filmmakers. Through iconic clips from Shaft, Foxy Brown, Blackula, Get Out, Moonlight, and more, Mya and local filmmakers Stephanie Mowson and Chelsea Scruggs explore how representation, authorship, and industry control have shifted over time. Their conversation highlights the tension between visibility and agency, the growth of independent Black voices, and the expanding diversity of stories now shaping Black cinema’s future.