In what ways do you consider that any two films released in the last twenty years represent positive constructions of African American history and identity? 

This essay examines two films, Barry (2016) and Moonlight (2016) as case studies of 'positive' constructions of African American history and identity. It argues that a 'positive' construction depicts complex individuals who bring more to the film than just comic relief or support to a lead; characters that have their own storyline and history that isn't based around a white narrative; and a plot that does not have to rely on a tragic past in order to heighten a person's achievements. This does not mean that the characters themselves are necessarily what we would term 'positive'. This essay argues that 'positive' representation could also come in the form of recognition of complex issues of black identity which have been given an important platform through film which was previously not available.