Reimagining Black Life in Wakanda

Ruth Carter took home the Oscar on Sunday for Best Costume Design in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." It’s the only Oscar the film was awarded, despite being nominated in multiple categories. But it doesn’t take the Academy’s votes to see that the Black Panther films were a global phenomenon.  Hannah Beachler is the production designer who worked with director Ryan Coogler in imagining and crafting the world of Wakand. She came to the University of Michigan’s Institute for the Humanities as a guest speaker earlier this year. She shared what it took to design the landscapes, government, and rituals of Wakanda, and the weight that this imagined universe carries for Black audiences around the world.  GUEST:  Hannah Beachler, production designer for both "Black Panther" films ___ Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.