Misfortune can be a vehicle for change, setting up its rider with a chance to pivot and find a path to new opportunities. Co-directors Crystal Moselle and Derrick B. Harden explore this idea with a film inspired by their own travels – The Black Sea.
When Raya, a woman in a small town in Bulgaria, seeks the advice of a fortune teller, she’s told that she can be cured with the touch of a Black man. And where do you find a Black man if you’re in Bulgaria? Facebook, of course! Enter Khalid (Harden), a Brooklyn barista who is tired of making matcha and looking for adventure. Enticed by the offer of $10,000 to spend some “adult time” with Raya, he leaves his life behind with excitement and heads to Bulgaria. After finding his way to the small town of Sozopol and arriving at Raya’s home, he’s greeted by her son who tells Khalid that Raya is dead.
Out of money, Khalid is now stranded. Things quickly go from bad to worse as his bag and passport are stolen during the night. Desperate to get back home, he looks for ways to make money, asking anyone and everyone for a job. It’s here he meets Ina (Irmena Chichikova), a travel agent who happens to enjoy hip-hop. She helps him find some work, but that job is short-lived as he’s repeatedly disrespected. Fed up and out of luck, he tries again to find work… and matcha, which leads him back to Ina. The two end up opening a cafe blending their cultures through food and eventually music with an open mic night.
Things are going great. Sozopol and Khalid fit together well. It’s here he has the opportunity and freedom to realize his dreams and have those dreams be received by those around him. It’s beautiful and refreshing. But, one big mistake creates a rift in his partnership with Ina and jeopardizes all that he’s accomplished. Instead of running away, he steps up and doubles down on his new life and the connections he’s made on the edge of the Black Sea.
There are a couple of interesting things about The Black Sea – one that works and one that is somewhat of a shortcoming. The majority of the people shown throughout the film are not actors. This is endearing because the reactions they have to Harden as Khalid are authentic. As he’s walking through this community, he is interacting with its people. Although some are a little hesitant (naturally), you can sense their genuine curiosity. It’s a beautiful way to show respect for this culture and its people, and fits in the wheelhouse of Moselle as she has a strong background in documentary filmmaking.
What didn’t work as well was the fact that the film was unscripted. This isn’t a bad thing, but the lack of structure is felt, especially toward the beginning of the film. There were moments in the dialogue that made me wince a few times. However, as the film progresses, the tone begins to settle and you start to understand the sentiment being shown.
The Black Sea is a film that celebrates the creative. The unique style of Moselle and Harden together demonstrates the liberty of filmmaking. Unscripted and with just the people around them, they weaved together a story about finding community halfway across the world, and how community acceptance opens the door to the freedom to be who you’ve always wanted to be.
The Black Sea is playing at SXSW.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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