Deal (2008)

Being a creative is hard enough when you’re trying to do your art and live day to day but being a Black creative is another level of difficulty. 

Dreaming Whilst B\@*k is a British dramedy that tells the story of Kwabena(Adjani Salmon), an aspiring, Jamaican writer/director working an office job to sustain himself whilst chasing his dream of producing a film that honors his heritage. Juggling his work schedule with interviews for directing opportunities becomes problematic as he finds himself having to choose between a steady paycheck and the mere potential for directing gigs.

The title is a variant of the phrase, “driving while Black” or “walking while Black”, etc., describing the harassment Black folks endure when trying to engage in everyday activities. The “dreaming” portion is quite literal. He often channels Walter Mitty by imagining himself saying things he wishes he could say. At first it feels real but while we are cheering him on, without warning, we are abruptly snapped back into reality and he just does what is expected.

Very clever. Sad but clever.