The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N Second St., in downtown DeKalb hosted an event sponsored by NIU’s Center for Black Studies on Wednesday. It was a free event and open to the public. 

The film shown was the 1978 adventure fantasy film “The Wiz,” with an after-panel discussion for panelists and audience members. The panel was a discussion on representation and Black culture in film. 

“I thought about films like ‘Do The Right Thing’ with Spike Lee but as much as I love that film and actually prefer that film, sometimes you need a break from the heavy critique and all that,” said Joseph Flynn, associate director of academic affairs. “We felt that a lighthearted film would be an interesting way to go.”

The doors opened at 5:30. Around 6 p.m.,  one of the panelists came to the stage to give an introduction on the film. He gave some interesting facts on the production of the film and explained some further details on the after panel. 

The runtime of “The Wiz” is two hours and sixteen minutes. Shortly after the credits, there was a five-minute break and the panel started around 8:20 p.m. The panel consisted of four panelists, including a couple of faculty members of the Center for Black Studies and a graduate student. 

In the panel they discussed the topic of representation of Black culture through film. Topics in the panel covered the casting in “The Wiz” and how Black people were represented in the film. The discussion moved to representation in general and examples of Black representation in film. 

Flynn made great points about positive representation of Black culture in film and the importance of not always having such dire or demeaning films that people of the African diaspora. 

“A film like ‘The Wiz,’ despite its warts, it’s still a really wonderful film to watch and you can have a lot of fun with it,” Flynn said. “I think the film does try to deal with some politics in its own way but it’s not hammering you over the head with it and because we all know the story of The Wizard of Oz it’s also easier to follow along with as a text, so it’s a familiar piece.” 

It is unknown at this time if the Black studies film panel will become an annual event sponsored by the Center for Black Studies. However, there is another showing and discussion panel for Black History Month. 

The film “Good Hair,” starring Chris Rock, will be shown at the Egyptian Theatre on Wednesday. The discussion will focus on cosmetics and hair in Black culture. This event will also be free. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the film is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.