The Cinematic Soul

The Cinematic Soul

Ebakuu

The Cinematic Soul

Film History English

The Cinematic Soul is where Black films and storytelling meet deep conversations, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. Hosted by EB, a passionate film lover from the South Side of Chicago, this podcast dives into the artistry, culture, and impact of Black cinema—from timeless classics to hidden gems.

Each episode brings in-depth film breakdowns, behind-the-scenes insights, and real talk about how these movies reflect Black life, love, and legacy. The Cinematic Soul is a space to celebrate the beauty of our stories!

Sinners Part Two: The Crossroads Between Ancestry, Music, and Magic

Sinners Part Two: The Crossroads Between Ancestry, Music, and Magic

If Part One cracked the door open, Part Two will really leave you thinking!Let’s talk about the blues, legacy, and history Cinematic Soul style!Timestamps:0:00 – Thank You / Response From Part 104:08 – Ancestors on The Dancefloor12:17 – “I Lied To You” and Its Roots17:29 – Delta Connections / Black & Chinese Solidarity20:48 – The Southern Chicago Legacy and Accents29:42 – Music as a Memory...

Sinners Review: Hoodoo, Horror & Black History in 1932 Mississippi

Sinners Review: Hoodoo, Horror & Black History in 1932 Mississippi

I had to hop on the mic for this one! Sinners isn’t just a movie. It’s a sermon, a spirit bath, and a cultural reckoning all wrapped in blues and blood. In this special bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down Ryan Coogler’s newest film and why it shook me to my core. From the Hoodoo-rooted power of Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie to the haunting beauty of the cinematography, the generational...

Platinum Blonde & Leopard Print: B.A.P.S. Talk w/ Shani Showbiz

Platinum Blonde & Leopard Print: B.A.P.S. Talk w/ Shani Showbiz

First off, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for listening this season! Carving out a space for niche content like this that is FUBU is vital, and your engagement verifies the necessity of diverse voices in the cinematic conversations. In this season finale, we dive into B.A.P.S., a feel-good flick that delivers the hearty laughs we all need sometimes. Joining me is the vibrant Shani...

Calculating Courage: The Story Behind Hidden Figures

Calculating Courage: The Story Behind Hidden Figures

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s delve into the remarkable narratives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, the African American mathematicians whose brilliance propelled NASA’s missions during the Space Race. Join me as we celebrate these trailblazing women who transformed the face of science and space exploration. For more insights and black cinema lore, follow...

Waiting to Exhale: Celebrating Sisterhood and Resilience in Black Cinema

Waiting to Exhale: Celebrating Sisterhood and Resilience in Black Cinema

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I wanted to explore the 1995 classic Waiting to Exhale. Directed by Forest Whitaker and adapted from Terry McMillan’s novel, the film tells the stories of Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—four African-American women navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. With stellar performances by Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett,...

Like A Legend: Breaking Down Set It Off

Like A Legend: Breaking Down Set It Off

Cleo went out like a legend. Set It Off (1996) was a story of sisterhood, survival, and defiance. From its gritty cinematography to that gut-wrenching final scene, tune in to listen to the breakdown of why this film still hits in 2025. Buckle up, we’re setting it off.Follow @cinematicsoulpod on Instagram and join the conversation on Facebook as well!

The Art of Black Culture in Poetic Justice

28 February 2025

The Art of Black Culture in Poetic Justice

Poetic Justice isn’t just a movie, it’s a moment! It’s poetry, love, grief, and fate all wrapped up in a road trip, with Janet and Pac at the center of it. Let’s break down why this film still hits all these years later.Follow @cinematicsoulpod on Instagram and join the conversation on Facebook at The Cinematic Soul!

Do The Right Thing: Spike Lee’s Timeless Warning

22 February 2025

Do The Right Thing: Spike Lee’s Timeless Warning

The heat is rising, and we’re stepping into one of the most powerful films ever made—Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a mirror. From the scorching streets of Brooklyn to the boiling tensions between cultures, this film forces you to confront hard truths.In this episode, I break down how Spike uses the camera to make you feel the pressure, the characters that represent...

Memory, Mystery, and the Unreliable Truth: Revisiting Eve’s Bayou

18 February 2025

Memory, Mystery, and the Unreliable Truth: Revisiting Eve’s Bayou

Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou is an experience. A Southern Gothic masterpiece wrapped in memory, mysticism, and trauma. On this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the depths of this haunting 1997 classic.🔹 How the film’s cinematography plays with memory and truth🔹 Jurnee Smollett and Samuel L. Jackson’s unforgettable performances🔹 The mystical elements of Mozelle’s visions, fate, and...

Beyond the Lights: The Black Love Story Where We Fly Before We Fall

15 February 2025

Beyond the Lights: The Black Love Story Where We Fly Before We Fall

Gina Prince-Bythewood understood the assignment. In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down how she carved out a lane for Black love stories with Beyond the Lights. We’ll also talk about Cynthia Erivo’s rise to fame (shoutout to Fly Before You Fall for putting me on) and why this film never got the flowers it deserved. If you’re still feeling that Valentine’s Day love hangover, this...