TAMPA – Tampa Theatre’s Black Love classics series will explore “blerds.” Shorthand for “Black nerds,” blerd culture celebrates those heroes – both super and everyday – who stir the imagination and spark creativity.
This year’s series, presented by Tampa Electric, reflects Tampa Theatre’s commitment to representation and the magic of the movies with “Rise of the Blerds” every Sunday in February:
“Movies have the unique ability to turn an intimately personal story into a shared experience,” said John Bell, Tampa Theatre president and CEO. “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 cost $10 ($7 for Tampa Theatre members) and are available at the historic Franklin Street Box Office and online at www.TampaTheatre.org.
Black Panther (2018)
2h 14m / PG-13 / Superhero
3 pm 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, visuals and performances, particularly by Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa.
Guests are invited to dress as their favorite superheroes for photo opportunities and an on-stage costume parade hosted by Tampa-based nerd-core rapper Swell Rell before the film. While the film celebrates fictional superheroes, 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 to 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 p.m. 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 (2 p.m.) to meet some of Tampa’s blerd community and join in a conversation about centuries-old stereotypes, pop culture and claiming their space.
Nope (2022)
2h 10m / R / Supernatural Horror
3 p.m. 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.
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 p.m. Feb. 23
Based on a true story, “Hidden Figures” is the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson: three Black women whose mathematical 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.
