TheGrio attended its premiere, plus a panel with filmmaker Kobi Libii and two lead stars, Justice Smith and David Alan Grier, where they broke down the movie’s themes.
“The American Society of Magical Negroes” has everyone talking in Park City, Utah. The feature debut from filmmaker Kobi Libii premiered during the first weekend of this year’s
Instead of being a straight drama or comedy, “The American Society of Magical Negroes” lands somewhere decidedly in between, something Smith reflected on for the panel’s attendees.
“Comedy and drama are both rooted in truth,” he said, breaking down its satirical tone. “Throughout life, we are laughing at ourselves; we ebb and flow out of tragedy and humor, and often, during tragedy, we invoke humor to cope.”
“I never think about that when I act,” said Smith, who counts roles in “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” and “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” among his creative work. “I just think about the truth of the moment, and if it happens to be funny, it’s funny. If the script is good and solid, the beat will play how it’s supposed to play.”
“The American Society of Magical Negroes” will have an official premiere in theaters in March.
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