BBC Three’s People Just Do Nothing, Steve Stamp, Shares His Top 5 Films From Black Film Directors

This week, MASSIVE Cinema Shutdown shares five essential films to watch right now from Steve Stamp – actor, writer, and creator of BAFTA award-winning BBC Three comedy, People Just Do Nothing.

Best known for playing the silly but lovable geezer “Steves” in the hugely popular and successful People Just Do Nothing TV series and soon-to-be-released feature film, Steve has chosen these films at a historic moment in time. Following the protests in support of George Floyd and the Black, Lives Matter movement ignited across the globe, Steve aims to shine a light on films by Black Film Directors, who like in many other industries often go unrecognised.

Steve says, “The film industry is still suffering from a ridiculous lack of diversity so here are five films by black directors that you should watch. Each of these films clearly underlines the importance of having authentic black voices both on and off-screen. Film making is about telling stories and the more diverse these stories are, the better the film industry will be – the same goes for television.”

Steve’s five recommendations are: 

Do The Right Thing by Spike Lee – available on BFI Player Rental

Steve says “Not many people can capture the raw voices of the streets in the way that Spike Lee does here.”

      Moonlight by Barry Jenkins – available on BFI Player Rental

Steve says, “A beautiful, subtle exploration of friendship and repressed homosexuality in modern America.”

      Fruitvale Station by Ryan Cooler – available on Netflix

Steve says, “This film shines a light on shocking real-life events but without simplifying the issues or the people involved.” 

     Boyz N’ The Hood by John Singleton – available to rent on Amazon Prime Video

Steve says, “This really captured the struggle of growing up in the LA ghettos. Singleton was, at the time, the youngest director to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar”.

      Get Out by Jordan Peele – available to rent Amazon Prime Video 

Steve says, “Great writing, beautifully shot, a very original, intelligent and at times hilarious approach to dealing with issues of race”.

With cinemas still closed, MASSIVE Cinema Shutdown offers young audiences unique ways to experience new film releases and modern classics while at home, through a series of virtual screenings, watch parties, and a free six-week trial of BFI Player. As part of this, The Watch List – five rotating film recommendations from well-known faces within film, music, and culture – will be announced weekly.

Check out the GUAP Arts & Culture section, to discover new art, film, and creative individuals.