Angela Bassett on Blaxploitation: Cannes Interview Reveals Powerful Memories

Cannes Film Festival: Angela Bassett Reflects on Blaxploitation's Impact. Angela Bassett, renowned for her roles in films like "Black Panther" and "What's Love Got to Do with It," took time during the Cannes Film Festival to discuss the blaxploitation era and its influence on her career. In a recent Konbini interview, Bassett shared her personal connection to films like "Super Fly" and "Lady Sings the Blues." "These movies allowed me to see representation," she said, highlighting the importance of seeing passionate and beautiful Black people on screen. She recalled the impact of these films, stating, "That was the beginning of me falling in love with cinema." Bassett's insights offer a unique perspective on a significant cultural movement and its lasting legacy. The interview also touches upon the limited distribution of blaxploitation films in France, a point Bassett found unsurprising given the industry's historical practices. Her reflections provide a compelling narrative for a broader audience interested in film history, cultural representation, and the career of a celebrated actress.