In 2022, Tampa Theatre’s Black Love classic movie series was created in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department to celebrate the intersection of Valentine’s Day and Black History Month with big-screen stories of romance as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts. In the years since, Black Love has grown to embrace other types of love stories: those of home, community, family and faith.
Now, the series is loving a new genre: Blerds. Shorthand for “black nerds,” blerd culture celebrates the heroes — both “super” and everyday — who stir the imagination and spark creativity. This year’s Black Love classics series, presented by Tampa Electric (TECO), reflects Tampa Theatre’s commitment to representation and the magic of the movies with “rise of the Blerds” every Sunday in February:
Black Panther (2018) ¶
2h 14m / PG-13 / Superhero
3:00 pm Sunday, Feb. 2
The groundbreaking Marvel movie follows T'Challa, the newly crowned king of Wakanda, as he faces challenges to his throne and must protect his nation from external threats. The OSCAR-winning film is celebrated for its rich cultural representation, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, particularly by Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa.
NEW THIS YEAR: Guests are invited to dress as their favorite superheroes for photo ops and an on-stage costume parade hosted by Tampa-based nerd-core rapper Swell Rell before the film. And while the film celebrates fictional superheros, guests are invited to come meet the REAL superheroes in our community with a family-friendly “Touch A Truck” event on Franklin Street from 2-3 p.m. featuring first responders, TECO line trucks, and others who aided the clean-up efforts after the October hurricanes.
Fast Color (2018)¶
1h 40m / PG-13 / Sci-Fi, Drama
3:00 pm Sunday, Feb. 9
This superhero drama directed by Julia Hart follows Ruth (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a woman with supernatural abilities. When Ruth’s powers are discovered, she is forced to go on the run, leading her back to her estranged family.
Guests are invited to come early to meet some of Tampa’s Blerd community and join in a conversation about centuries-old stereotypes, pop culture, and claiming their space, starting at 2pm in the lobby.
Nope (2022) ¶
2h 10m / R / Supernatural Horror
3:00 pm Sunday, Feb. 16
Siblings OJ and Emerald Haywood encounter a mysterious UFO on their horse ranch in California. As they attempt to capture footage of the phenomenon, they uncover unsettling truths and face terrifying challenges. Writer/Director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us) blends elements of horror, suspense, and social commentary, making it a thrilling, thought-provoking experience.
Guests are encouraged to stay after the film for a deep-dive discussion into Peele’s storytelling and directorial choices.
Hidden Figures (2016)¶
2h 7m / PG / Biography
3:00 pm Sunday, Feb. 23
Based on a true story, Hidden Figures is the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson: three Black women whose mathematic expertise at NASA played a crucial role in the success of early space missions. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, their brilliance and determination helped break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
Guests are encouraged to stay after the film for a panel discussion featuring local Black women who are making waves in STEM-based careers.
“Movies have the unique ability to turn an intimately personal story into a shared experience,” says Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell. “Watching a movie as a group with other members of your community invites conversation. It gives us the space to compare our own experiences with what we see on the screen and find those emotions that connect us as human beings.”
TICKETS for the Black Love classics series are $10 ($7 for Tampa Theatre Members) and are available at the historic Franklin Street Box Office and online at www.TampaTheatre.org.
Get Involved:¶
The Black Love classics series is collecting art supplies to benefit Project Return’s Art Program. Founded in 1983, Project Return was developed as a support system for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses so that they could achieve and maintain their independence and successfully live within the greater community. Creative expression through the Art Program helps members address a variety of mental and emotional challenges while promoting healing and well-being.
Needed items include acrylic paints, canvases, markers, scissors, candle wax, plain shirts, wood panels, beads and felt.
The Black Love Classic Movie Series is presented by Tampa Electric (TECO) in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department.