‘The American Society Of Magical Negroes’ Cast, Director On Why White Actors Flubbed Auditions For Mildly Racist Parts – Sundance Studio

Film: The American Society Of Magical Negroes, Focus Features

Section: Premieres

Director: Kobi Libii

Screenwriter: Kobi Libii

Logline: A young man, Aren, is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people more comfortable, and themselves safer. Although initially enamored with his new powers, Aren begins to question the value of using supernatural means to do the very thing he’s felt obligated to do his whole life.

Panelists: Kobi Libbi, David Alan Grier, Justice Smith.

Key Quote: Kobi Libii on the magical Negro: “A black supporting character that doesn’t have their own internal life. They only exist to support the white protagonist in their goals. Characteristics include folksy wisdom, subtly wise advice. It can be a black best friend, or an old janitor with a magical twinkle in his eye. I started playing around with it, and what it came down to is the defense mechanism I learned to survive in America — to be accommodating to white people. And the pressure to do that has been quite destructive in my life.

First Screening: Jan. 19, Eccles Theater

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The Deadline Studio at Sundance runs January 19-22 at Montgomery Lee Fine Art on Main Street when the cast and creatives behind the best and buzziest titles in this year’s lineup sit down with Deadline’s festival team to discuss their movies and the paths they took to get to Park City.

Thank you to our sponsors McGee & Co., Final Draft, Portrait Creative Network, and Courser.