Bambadjan Bamba and Black Artists Describe What Black Panther Means to Them

Black Panther is more than a superhero movie; it’s a movement. That’s the thesis of a new BuzzFeed video titled “The Power of Black Panther”, which consists of a series of interviews and clips from an advance screening at the African Artist Association.

One of the interviews is with Bambadjan Bamba, who we’ve adored since The Good Place and his strong support for DACA. Bamba appears in Black Panther as “Militant Leader,” and he describes the incredible buzz during shooting and production. “Honestly, everyone in Hollywood knew that this movie was happening. We were all rooting for it. Every single one of my friends, my peers were like, ‘We need to get into Black Panther, man. I gotta get into Black Panther. How do we get into Black Panther?'” he says. “Actors were, like, calling production, ‘I’m willing to work on this for free. I don’t want pay, I just want to be a part of it.'”

Constance Ejuma, who appears in the film as a stunt performer in the Dora Milaje, says of the energy, “There’s something in the air, there’s something spiritual that’s happening.” The excitement from set definitely carried on to the audience. “You were in the presence of people who knew that there was something really tremendous happening,” says Ejuma.

Writer Sahndra Fon Dufe, Ghanian-American actor/filmmaker Nathaniel Kweku, and basically everyone in the video sees the film as a victory for representation, giving space for both African-Americans and Africans to celebrate culture and build a dialogue. “To me, representation matters. Black Panther, I see myself. The only time I’ve been able to see myself in films is in either genocide movie, or slave movie,” says actress Adinett Nsabiman. “Now I can see myself as a queen.” In a longer Instagram post, she wrote, “Here is to new beginnings, determination, and a self confidence that I will walk in every audition room knowing that my dreams are valid. No more doubts, I believe, I believe, I believe!!!!!!”

Forbes has reported that Black Panther earned a box office for the record books, and predicts it will pass $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Wakanda forever.

(image: screencap)

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