Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is commemorating Black History Month by showcasing a special series of films on its inflight entertainment systems throughout February 2024. The airline has partnered with the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) to offer a curated collection of movies that represent the Black community in modern society.
In what is the inaugural year of the new collaboration between the carrier and AAFCA, the parties have combined to bring the series of Black films to the skies from February 1 until March 1, 2024, for millions of flyers traveling on Delta Air Lines services.
The selection of inflight movies was curated by members of the AAFCA working closely with the In-Flight Entertainment team at the airline, alongside the carrier’s own Black Community Business Resource Group (known as ‘BOLD’). The campaign aims to ensure the series of films selected to celebrate and champion the full history of Black cinema.
Through this initiative, both companies hope to spark interest and highlight the achievements of Black actors, directors, and countless others involved in the process of filmmaking worldwide.
“Delta seeks to be a champion of diversity through meaningful inflight entertainment content and elevate the onboard offering with thoughtful, value-driven curation,” expressed Catherine McDaniel, lead content curator of movies for Delta Studio.
“Delta is thrilled to partner with AAFCA for this special collection to help us highlight underrepresented voices during Black History Month and all year round,” she added.
“In-flight movies offer a great way to discover titles that were previously unknown to me,” shared AAFCA president Gil Robertson. “Over the years, I have been introduced to phenomenal stories that broadened my point of view about different people and cultures from around the world. I hope that Delta passengers will enjoy a similar experience from our collection which provides a showcase for the richness of Black-themed stories.”
Movies that have made the cut and will feature on Delta’s services during this inaugural collection celebrating Black History Month include a mixture of both iconic ‘classics’ as well as Oscar-winning features. While the selection varies widely in genre, the range is described as “showcasing the expansive list of Black cinematic history”. From ‘Dreamgirls’ to ‘The Best Man’, and ‘Friday’ to ‘Crooklyn’, these films have all been selected as they are not only significant to the Black community globally, but are also described as “timeless, universal stories that can connect to all, something Delta is proud to promote,” says the airline.
Additional films listed were ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, ‘Shaft’, ‘Dear White People’, and ‘Sarafina’, with several others to follow throughout February 2024.
