Challenging the Black Female Monolith in Film

This thesis examines the lack of prominent Black female representation in film. This is a call to diversify the representation of Black female protagonists and characters in modern film, and to include Black female filmmakers in the industry as well. The exploration of films from the early twentieth century to present day shows both the progression and decline of diversifying Black female characters and giving them the jurisdiction to expand and express their identity; this includes an analysis of my own works and the themes that I explore. Through in-depth research of particular topics that relate to my overall statement, this thesis promotes the overall initiative of promoting stories centered around Black women, girls, and teens, and encourages stories from a female centered perspective.