Double Feature: But Make It Spooky (The Blackening & We Cast A Shadow)

READ MO’ BLACK BOOKS

This idea came to me when I set out to rebuild my physical media collection. In an era where AI companies are consuming and altering books to train their models, preserving Black books and stories that reflect our lived experiences and imagination has been deeply important to me.

I didn’t want just any books or movies. I wanted tangible media in my home that felt nostalgic and familiar, pieces I could revisit time and again without tiring. At a pop-up we were a part of on Chicago's South Side, the phrase "Read Mo' Black Books" resonated deeply with the people who visited my table. That moment captures the heart of Pour Into It Media: celebrating and highlighting stories that truly feel like home.

For this box, we are pairing the Juneteenth horror comedy The Blackening with the satirical fiction novel We Cast A Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

This DVD isn’t nostalgic at all. This was a little bit of a cheat box, but it was a perfect addition to the spooky edition of Double Feature. The Blackening was a summer release on Juneteenth. I saw it in theaters, and what a beautiful movie to watch in a Black crowd. I sang the O’Reilly’s theme songs with strangers, and if that sentence doesn’t make sense, it will after you get into this box. This pairing also seems tied to the ongoing conversation around respectability politics in the workplace and the lived experiences of biracial Black folks. 

Each bundle is curated to deliver a complete movie & reading experience:

• The Novel: A hardcover edition of We Cast A Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

• The Film: The Blackening (2023) on DVD (Pre-Owned)

• A Lil Movie Snack: Artisan movie night popcorn from a Black-owned, family-founded brand honoring Gullah Geechee culinary heritage (with a portion of sales donated to Gullah cultural preservation).

• To Reflect & Ponder: A mini African-print pocket notebook, and a library-themed mini notebook for your personal reflections. A vintage-inspired library checkout card, a greeting card, a book-review bookmark, a pen, and vinyl stickers.

• A Letter From Me: Historically, I've always been someone who talks during movies. (I know, I know. We're not supposed to.) But I couldn't curate this box and NOT talk through the thought behind this pairing. Since I won't be in your home to talk to you as you watch this movie and read this book, the letter is the next best thing. I'll walk you through the intention behind this pairing and include a reflection on a question that I would normally ask people as we watch the movie. 

Intentionally and thoughtfully sourced, hand-wrapped in craft paper, twine, and custom Pour Into It wax-sealed packaging.