FILM REVIEW – WORLD PREMIERE SXSW 2025

Seen and Heard: A Powerful Celebration of Black Creativity in Television

Produced by executive producer Issa Rae, Seen and Heard is an HBO two-part documentary that offers a vibrant, time-spanning portrait of Black talent as it transitions from merely being "seen" to truly being "heard." Directed by Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelson, the film takes viewers on a journey through the evolution of Black creatives in television, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and lasting impact on the industry.

Expectations vs. Reality

Going into the documentary world premiere at SXSW, I expected an inspiring portrayal of Black creatives—and that’s exactly what I received. The documentary beautifully illustrates how Black voices fought to be heard, shaping today’s Golden Age of Black television. This film goes beyond entertainment; it is part of a larger movement—one that uplifts and empowers. It urges us to rise beyond our collective pain and reach unimaginable heights. As we share our stories, both good and bad, Seen and Heard reminds us of the immense power those stories can have.

Breaking Barriers in Hollywood

The documentary features some of the most iconic Black creators of our time—Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, Issa Rae, and Lena Waithe—who share their creative processes and personal battles with rejection and prejudice in Hollywood. Confronted with systemic barriers, these creators took matters into their own hands, building their own platforms, such as the Oprah Winfrey Network and Tyler Perry Studios. By doing so, they created opportunities for more Black and POC talent who might have otherwise been overlooked by the industry’s historically biased systems.

Issa Rae at SXSW. Photo by Samantha Burkardt (SXSW.)

Insights on the Writing Process

As a journalist and writer, I was particularly captivated by Lena Waithe’s insights. The first Black woman to win an Emmy for Comedy Writing, she emphasizes that writing must be deeply vulnerable. It’s this raw honesty that truly connects with people. Waithe reminds us that we must embrace life in all its scars, ugliness, and pain—because it is through this vulnerability that we can inspire real change.

Oprah Winfrey also delivers a profound message: “You want your writing to be so honest that it makes people think differently about themselves.” That level of authenticity is what elevates storytelling from mere entertainment into a catalyst for personal and societal growth.

Final Thoughts

Seen and Heard is empowering, inspiring, and absolutely necessary. I walked away with valuable insights, not only about the entertainment industry but about life itself. My final takeaway? It doesn’t matter what you look like—it’s about how you inspire others to create positive, loving change. This documentary isn’t just about Black creatives in television; it’s about the power of storytelling to shape the world.

SEEN AND HEARD