Other meanings of black
Cinema
Black is a 2015 Belgian romantic drama film directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, known for its gritty portrayal of young love in Brussels. The film stars Martha Canga Antonio and Aboubakr Bensaihi and was selected as the Belgian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards but was not nominated.
Black follows Mavela, a 15-year-old girl who is a member of the Black Bronx gang, and Marwan, a young man from a rival gang, the 1080s. Their love affair is forbidden by their respective gangs, leading to a violent and tragic series of events. The film is set in the multicultural neighborhoods of Brussels and explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the consequences of gang violence.
The film features a largely non-professional cast, with Martha Canga Antonio as Mavela and Aboubakr Bensaihi as Marwan. The cast also includes Sanaa Bourrasse, Dimitri Leue, and others. The directors deliberately chose unknown actors to enhance the realism of the story.
Black was directed by the duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who later gained international recognition for Bad Boys for Life. The film was produced by various Belgian companies and was shot on location in Brussels. It premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival and was released in Belgium on October 14, 2015.
Black received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its raw energy and authentic portrayal of youth culture. It won the André Cavens Award for Best Film from the Belgian Film Critics Association and was nominated for several Magritte Awards, including Best Film and Best Director. It was also selected as Belgium's official submission for the Academy Awards.
Despite its gritty realism, the film's title 'Black' refers not only to the gang but also to the color of the protagonist's heart, as explained by the directors. The film was inspired by the directors' own experiences growing up in Brussels. The soundtrack features a mix of hip-hop and electronic music, reflecting the urban setting. Notably, the film was shot in the same neighborhoods where the directors grew up, adding authenticity. The film also addresses the issue of juvenile delinquency and the lack of opportunities for marginalized youth in Belgium.
The film's title 'Black' is a reference to the gang and the emotional state of the protagonist.
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