Watch Brave New Souls: Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers of the 21st Century.

Brave New Souls: Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers of the 21st Century is a documentary film from 2014 that explores the emerging world of Black science fiction and fantasy authors in the 21st century. The film features interviews with some of the most influential and inspiring Black writers in the genre, examining their experiences and examining the ways in which their work challenges traditional conceptions of what science fiction and fantasy can be.

Led by actress and writer Erika Alexander, the film features a range of voices from the Black speculative fiction community, including both established and up-and-coming writers. These include Nalo Hopkinson, Nisi Shawl, Octavia Butler, Samuel R. Delaney, and several others. Through these interviews, viewers get a glimpse of the unique perspectives and experiences that these writers bring to their work, and the ways in which their fiction reflects their identities, politics, and cultural backgrounds.

The film also delves into how these writers are helping to redefine the boundaries of the sci-fi and fantasy genres themselves, pushing the limits of what readers and viewers have come to expect from these types of stories. From alternate histories to Afrofuturism to magical realism, the authors featured in the film are creating a rich and diverse body of work that challenges notions of the future, the past, and everything in between.

Throughout the documentary, Alexander speaks with the authors about the challenges they face as Black writers working in a predominantly white genre. From microaggressions to outright discrimination, these writers have had to work hard to gain recognition and acceptance in their field. Despite these obstacles, however, they remain committed to pushing forward and creating work that is both groundbreaking and transformative.

One of the key themes of Brave New Souls is the idea that sci-fi and fantasy can be powerful tools for discussing issues of race, identity, and social justice. The film explores how Black writers are using these genres to bring attention to issues like police brutality, racial profiling, and economic inequality, and how their work can serve as a catalyst for change in the real world.

Brave New Souls is not just a film for sci-fi and fantasy fans, however. It's also a compelling look at the lives of these authors and the unique challenges they face as Black creators in a predominantly white industry. By exploring their stories and perspectives, the film sheds light on the ways in which we can all work to create a more inclusive and diverse world.

In addition to its thoughtful exploration of the sci-fi and fantasy genres, Brave New Souls also features stunning visuals and a captivating score that helps to bring the stories and voices of these writers to life. Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or just curious about the ways in which sci-fi and fantasy can be used to explore issues of identity and social justice, this documentary is an essential watch.

Brave New Souls: Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers of the 21st Century. is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.