Craig Lindsey February 24, 2021Updated: February 26, 2021, 7:52 am
Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer and director Ryan Coogler during the filming of “Fruitvale Station” in Oakland. Photo: RON KOEBERER, Associated Press
When it comes to choosing which Bay Area films made by Black filmmakers are worth checking out, it’s unfortunately a very small list.
In fact, many of the Bay Area films that you think would be directed by Black filmmakers aren’t. “They Call Me Mister Tibbs!” (1970), where Sidney Poitier’s iconic cop from “In the Heat of the Night” moves to San Francisco? A white guy directed it. (The same goes for “The Organization,” another Tibbs installment from 1971.) The blaxploitation favorite “The Mack” (1973), where Max Julien’s enterprising pimp takes over the Oakland streets? Another white guy.