Pam Grier, iconic star of Blaxploitation films, reflects on her groundbreaking career and the new era of Black filmmaking in the streaming space. Grier stars in the Tubi Original film "Cinnamon" and Antonio Fargas stars in "Murder City," both part of the "Black Noir Cinema" slate. Grier and Fargas reject criticisms of Blaxploitation films, emphasizing the opportunities they provided for Black actors. The films aim to pay homage to the genre while exploring universal themes of family and humanity.
Tubi, a streaming platform, has built a collection of Black-led independent movies that offer thrilling experiences with a loose energy and generous sense of drama. Under the initiative Black Noir Cinema, Tubi premiered "Cinnamon," a crime caper featuring an aspiring singer and a pickpocket caught up in a robbery gone wrong. Another film, "Murder City," follows a cop who becomes entangled with a ruthless mob boss. Tubi's lineup also includes titles like "If I Can't," a melodrama exploring themes of survival and abuse, and "Locked In," a puzzle-filled thriller. The platform's commitment to showcasing independent Black filmmakers and viewers sets it apart from mainstream studio content.