After wrapping up her record-breaking Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé revealed the news of her upcoming film. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” will be coming to a theater near you starting December 1st!

According to an official synopsis of the film, “It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, and involvement in every aspect of the production. Her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy and master her craft.”


One thing about Beyoncé is that she always gives fans a culturally relevant film to accompany her culturally relevant art. The Renaissance album, world tour and film boast the theme of emancipation. In the trailer, the songstress mentions she felt “free” creating this album, and the tour is meant for everyone to feel similarly. That feeling of freedom was felt worldwide by those who attended the tour in person and watched it on social media.


The Renaissance era is an ode to the underground ballroom scene, and its eclectic and unique group of people. Beyoncé showcased ballroom culture on the world’s stage, spreading the warmth and love of their community. Even if you don’t identify with the LGBTQ community, you were welcomed in the Renaissance. The film will be an extension of the tour and more, as fans get to see how she created this experience and its execution.


This isn’t the first time Beyoncé highlighted specific cultures in her films. After giving birth to her children, it seemed like her artistry shifted. She wanted to create with purpose. And that she did.

Beyoncé’s Black is King

Beyoncé’s 2020 film, “Black is King” came from the soundtrack she created for the reimagined version of “The Lion King.” The soundtrack album was titled, “The Gift” and it surely kept on giving.

“Black is King” tells the story of a young boy, a metaphorical Simba, in Africa. Viewers saw “Simba” grow up, find love, make mistakes, and still end up as the king in this coming-of-age story. Parts of the project were filmed in countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria. There were references of folklore and customs from each country. She represented Africa to the best of her ability.

Due to world circumstances, 2020 was a tumultuous year for everyone. The COVID pandemic was ripping through families and money was scarce. It was also a period of racial unrest. After the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd at the hands of white police officers, Black America had enough. There were protests and riots worldwide.


“Black is King” arrived when Black people needed the reminder that they were and are royalty. Black people originated in Africa, and the film was an ode to the roots of the Black diaspora.

Homecoming

Before “Black is King,” Beyoncé released the 2019 project “Homecoming” on Netflix. The film followed the superstar as she prepared for one of the most intense performances of her lifetime in 2018: the Coachella stage. What made her performance so special was that she was supposed to perform the year prior, but because she was pregnant with her twins, Rumi and Sir, she was given doctor’s orders to pull out.

The actual Coachella performance was centered around HBCU culture. Beyoncé wanted to show the world what happens at an HBCU homecoming, and she delivered. The performance had drum majors, majorettes, fraternity pledges, a band, and more. If you went to an HBCU, it probably took you back in time to your dorms, hanging with your crew, getting ready for homecoming season.


Throughout the film, Beyoncé expressed that she wanted to recreate the feeling of being on an HBCU campus because she never had the chance to experience that. She started in the industry very young and couldn’t have a normal childhood or teenage years. The performer mentioned when she was growing up in Texas, she would go to the battle of the bands and watch in amazement. The culture was so thick and rich that she wanted to be a part of it.


Before Beyoncé’s performance, HBCU culture was not placed on a platform like hers. Of course, there were movies like Stomp The Yard and Drumline, but they were only well-known in the Black community. Beyoncé knew her power and the audience she attracted. She knew that everyone —whether Black, white, green or blue— would be watching this film. It was time to show the beauty of Black establishments.

Beyoncé’s Cultural Prowess Through Films

Although Beyoncé hasn’t always intentionally showcased culture through her artistry in the past like she does now, she consistently contributed maximum effort to her work. Now, fans are getting complete projects that shine a light on underrepresented communities in America and worldwide. Beyoncé is always on time, creating space for these cultures to be heard.