‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ celebrates diverse culture and heritage
The film’s cast and producers, the city of New Orleans, and hundreds of African-American and black-led businesses and organizations are teaming up to mark the film’s 10th anniversary. Here’s what you need to know about Black Panther’s celebration.
Who lives in Wakanda and why?
Wakanda is a fictional country in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, which has existed since ancient times and gained its independence from the United States in 1966. The nation is based on the real country of Swaziland, where the Black Panther, the first Black president of the country, was crowned in 1966. A sequel to the original Black Panther film, which opened in the U.S. on Oct. 6, 2016, is scheduled to open in the U.S. on June 15, 2018.
“The Black Panther is an exceptional filmmaker who understands the importance of celebrating both the legacy and the future,” the filmmakers said. “His story is one of hope, which we’re sharing.”
It’s not just black characters that are playing a role in the film. Black American and black-led businesses and organizations are taking part, as well.
Among those who are participating are:
The city of New Orleans
Carmen Martin, the city’s first Black woman mayor, will make a special appearance at the Wakanda Black-Film Festival to present a black-led documentary called Black Panther: Wakanda Forever that gives voice to the Black community.
The city and the filmmakers worked together before the release of the film to create an exhibit about the Black Panther’s iconic costume. It was shown at the Museum of African American History in New Orleans last year.
The film and the exhibit will be screened April 8 on the second floor of Loyola University New Orleans’ St. Thomas campus at the Wakanda Black-Film Festival.
“The City of New Orleans loves the Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, and we’ve decided to team up before we go to the cinema,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a news release. “We believe in this film and its message: diversity and inclusion are essential to our progress.”
