I swear I spent the evening with the coolest people in all of New York City.
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Have you ever seen a hashtag, gif, or meme paired with a perfectly crafted tweet? If so, it probably came from the realm of “Black Twitter.” Out of Twitter’s various subcultures, “Black Twitter” has been the social app’s most popular one, standing at the forefront for years without recognition. Hulu’s new docuseries finally gives that voice a face. The Knockturnal had the special privilege of attending a private screening to view the first episode of, ‘Black Twitter: A People’s History.’
The event took place last Thursday at the Midnight Theatre in Manhattan with a step-and-repeat planted outside for attendees to take photos, or in Twitter terms, show off their #fitcheck. Actor and singer, Trevor Jackson, was one of the familiar faces who made an appearance to show off his style as well, before heading to the pre-screening event with the rest of the crowd.
The theater’s stairs led everyone to its bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and sitting areas all around. Upon entering, you are quickly engulfed in the swaying vibes of music coming from the DJ booth with smooth dance moves coming from the DJ herself. Servers with the most welcoming smiles walked around with platters of appetizers and trays of cocktails. The bar was open to receive any preferred drinks, free of charge, but their themed cocktails: “#HOTTAKE,” “AND I OOP,” and “#IYKYK,” were a crowd favorite.
Towards the back was a section dedicated to capturing more moments of the evening with a photo booth station that printed out and emailed photos of you. It didn’t take long for the room to get crowded with the cast and crew of the series, celebrities, and influencers alike. To our surprise, even the queen of Genovia, Anne Hathaway, was present! Everyone either knew each other, knew of each other, or met for the first time. No matter what your relationship was like with the person next to you, the environment felt familiar, as if you had known the person for ages. One moment, people were found mingling, then dancing filled the dance floors the next. If this pre-screening event didn’t perfectly replicate the culture of Black Twitter itself, then we’re not sure what does.
An hour later, everyone was ushered into the screening room with drinks in hand while popcorn and snacks waited to be grabbed upon entry. Projectors shined on all four walls, showing transitions of numerous hashtags from notable moments of history, where its discourse went viral throughout the app. Below everyone’s seats were envelopes that housed gift cards for Hulu’s streaming service for attendees to take home. Moments later, the crowd was greeted by the show’s executive producer and director, Prentice Penny, who gave his token of appreciation to those who came out, as well as, those who assisted in the development of the series. Penny emphasized his gratitude towards black culture itself, expressing how the world tries to deny such culture having any doing in the creation of current and lasting trends. He uses this perspective to further explain why sharing history is vital, for “the things that are here today, might be gone tomorrow.” This was the case for the social media company, “Twitter,” or as it is now known to be called, “X.”
Businessman and investor, Elon Musk, bought the company in October of 2022 and made a plethora of changes to what users knew the platform to be. The most notable differences include its famous name and logo of a blue bird to that of a black “X,” letter. While X looks like the old Twitter, Musk demolished its core features that made the app enjoyable. The Washington Post reported that “the service has seen a 30% decline in the number of people actively tweeting.” What was once a source to find out what occurs in the world, is now the home to hate speech and misinformation. While its name and elements may have been changed, its history, however, cannot be erased.
Hulu’s three-part docuseries was influenced by Jason Parham’s WIRED article, “A People’s History of Black Twitter.” The streaming service states that this new show, “charts the rise, the movements, the voices, and the memes that made Black Twitter an influential and dominant force in nearly every aspect of American political and cultural life.” Even in the show’s development, Penny reveals how X contacted his team to put out a correction to change the documentary’s name of “Black Twitter,” to “Black X.” This fact is what made its first episode, “Chapter One,” important to create as it details the origins of a culture that Musk is still trying to abolish.
Parham tracked down the beginnings of Black Twitter to around 2009, as it was created by a community of Black Twitter users. “Black millennials were looking for a place to communicate,” Parhamn states. “We just want to connect online. Twitter was the place to do that. It felt like one giant group chat.” Black people have used the social media platform as an extension to hold space for and relate to those who look like them. In that space could the Black community vent, laugh, and/or cry about the ridiculousness of everyday life. The first episode highlights the excitement of the culture’s beginnings, celebrating the journalists, hashtag originators, scholars, and comedians, who helped create Black Twitter’s voice. It also reminded its viewers of iconic moments that went viral during the Black discussion such as the Rihanna and Ciara beef in 2011. It included a range of how far Black voices can go that it can even create movie plots off a simple Twitter thread, like user, Zola, and her story. The film, Zola, received positive reviews from critics and had Twitter users amazed.
This reach allowed the episode to lead into another narrative of how Black voices, thanks to the advancement of technology, used the platform to create entertainment but also political movements. It pushed agendas such as the #BlackLivesMatter and #OscarsSoWhite campaigns. It also spread word to gather people together in support of unjust situations, such as the Travon Martin and George Floyd cases. The docuseries showcases several comedians, scholars, journalists, and notable social media influencers including Amanda Seales, Jemele Hill, Sam Jay, and more, to confirm what their community knew Twitter to be. In reality, there is no more “Black Twitter,” because Twitter no longer exists. Even though users still call it by its’ old name, Musk has changed the dynamics of the platform to where users no longer find it enjoyable.
A panel with Prentice Penny, Joie Jacoby, Jason Parham, God-Is Rivera, and J Wortham, was set up after the screening. Moderator, Roy Wood Jr., asked the crew numerous questions about the development of the film and what would be next for “Black Twitter”. They explained how they aren’t worried about what the future holds for they make wherever they go, their own space. The second and third episodes include the social changes that took place because of the app’s influence, Trump’s era, the pandemic, and Musk’s current control. These episodes can be streamed only on Hulu where viewers can watch now!
Pixar’s Kelsey Mann and Mark Nielsen Talk ‘Inside Out 2,’ New Emotions, and Crushing Joy’s Confidence (VIDEO)
If Inside Out sent you on an emotional rollercoaster, then the sequel is guaranteed to throw you for a loop.
Leading up to the film’s summer release, we visited Pixar Animation Studios to discuss Inside Out 2 with director Kelsey Mann and producer Mark Nielsen, who also worked on Inside Out.
The day before, we were treated to an early sneak peek of the first thirty minutes of the sequel. As a longtime Pixar enthusiast, I was thrilled—though perhaps not as excited as Mann was to push the big red button.
Kelsey Mann, who saw Inside Out as an audience member in 2015 while working on Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur, described his reaction to the first film’s ending as he pointed to Mark Nielsen. “You guys set up [the puberty button] on the console and I’m like, ‘I want that thing to go off. If you don’t set off, I’m gonna be upset!”
He finally gets the chance to do just that as the director of Inside Out 2. He went on to explain that he also set out to cause more chaos than just a blaring puberty alarm.
“[The first movie] ends in a great way where she’s like, ‘we’ve got new friends, a great new house, after all, she’s 12, what could happen?’” he says, “She has such confidence in herself and I wanted to crush that.”
Mann also detailed how they explored challenging Joy’s traditional ideas of who Riley is in this new phase of her life. “That’s where the new emotions come in,” he said, “because they’re like, ‘we understand this teenage world and we know how to play this game better than you do. So you know what? We need you to step aside because we need to take over.”
Once again, filmgoers will see some push and pull at the controls in this new story—just in a different way. “Joy, in the beginning of [Inside Out] learned that lesson that all emotions are valuable, she learned to let Sadness go to the console.” Mark Nielsen says, “And now in this film, she’s like, ‘maybe not ALL of them.’”
The new movie features new additions to the cast, including Maya Hawke (Anxiety), Ayo Edebiri (Envy), Paul Walter Hauser (Embarrassment), and Adèle Exarchopoulos (Ennui). During a press conference session earlier that day, Mark Nielsen had nothing but praise for what they brought to the film. “They’re all very funny,” he said, “Some of them are actual straight-up comedians.”
“[Envy] wasn’t as developed as some of the other emotions,” Mann jumped in to say, “Ayo really helped flesh out who that character was in a positive way.”
Nielsen was also wowed by Maya Hawke’s performance as Anxiety, describing her as the “fastest talker I’ve ever met.”
“She brought an element of humanity to the character,” Mann added.
During those first thirty minutes of the film, we didn’t get the chance to become well-acquainted with Embarrassment, but Mark Nielsen gave us an idea of what to expect from the character.
“Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment was amazing—what a gem of a human being,” he said, “We met with him beforehand to talk about the role. On the script, it doesn’t look like much because he’s too scared to talk and barely has any lines, but he’s a really important character in the film. It’s actually a really big role, which is a beautiful relationship he ends up having with Sadness.”
You can check out our interview with Kelsey Mann and Mark Nielsen at Pixar Animation Studios in the video below. “Inside Out 2” will be hitting theaters on June 14th, 2024!
ON THE SCENE: Join Us For the New York Premiere of “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”
On Monday, April 17, we were invited to join in on the festivities at the New York City premiere of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer—and were encouraged to indulge in concoctions provided by Johnnie Walker.
Our evening of merrymaking started at the AMC Lincoln Square, where we were greeted with free popcorn and a soft drink—but that was only the first surprise of the evening. Cheers began to fill the room as Jerry Bruckheimer, Henry Cavill, Eiza González, and Hero Fiennes Tiffin walked down the theater aisles to introduce the film.
“As much as this movie is a lot of fun,” Cavill tells the audience, “it also highlights the importance of what these warriors did.”
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is fictionalized account—with many creative liberties—of Operation Postmaster during World War II. With tactics deemed “ungentlemanly” by Winston Churchill, a team of operatives embarked on a dangerous mission—and contributed to changing the course of the war.
“These types of female characters are inspiring, are what I think what embodies the 21st century woman,” Eiza González shared into the microphone, “I felt honored myself to be Marjorie Stewart.”
After the screening, guests were invited to attend the premiere after-party at the Ascent Lounge in Columbus Circle—presented by Johnnie Walker.
Jerry Bruckheimer joined the cast of the film for the festivities as a DJ spun tracks to set the vibe. Bartenders made splendid use of Johnnie Walker Blue Label with movie-inspired cocktails including The Strategist (the brand’s take on the trendy Espresso Martini) and The Saboteur (a twist on an Old Fashioned.)
Henry Cavill, Babs Olusanmokun, and Cary Elwes also mingled with guests and posed for selfies. Henry Golding even stopped by the bar to enjoy The Saboteur for himself.
How ungentlemanly indeed.
“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” directed by Guy Ritchie and featuring an all-star cast, sweeps into theaters on Friday, April 19.
An Event Celebrating Black Stories, Beauty and Art in collaboration with The New Stereotype
Los Angeles Room & Board (LARB) hosted an unforgettable evening of celebration and empowerment with “The New Stereotype: STORIES,” an event that shone a spotlight on the diverse layers of Black life in America. Held in honor of Black History Month, this event brought together luminaries from the worlds of fashion, photography, film, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) thought leadership for an immersive experience that left a lasting impact on attendees and the broader Black community.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the Los Angeles Room & Board team, setting the stage for an inspiring night ahead. Guests were treated to a captivating art exhibition featuring key pieces from “The New Stereotype: STORIES,” a groundbreaking project that celebrates the true essence of Black men and women through stunning fashion editorials captured in iconic cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The exhibit provided a visual feast, showcasing the beauty, resilience, and diversity of Black life in America.
The heart of the event lay in the dynamic panel discussions led by esteemed thought leaders and trailblazers who have dedicated themselves to amplifying Black voices and narratives. Dr. Shaun Harper, Founder and Executive Director of USC’s Race and Equity Center, and Darnell Moore, Vice President of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, delivered powerful insights into contemporary Black narratives and the importance of storytelling as a tool for social change. Their thought-provoking discourse inspired reflection and action, sparking meaningful conversations that resonated long after the event ended.
Moderated by EMMY Award-Winning Writer, Director, and Producer James Bland, the panel also featured industry luminaries such as Trell Thomas, founder and CEO of the Black Excellence Brunch, and Gabrielle McBay, an award-winning culinary designer and creative director. Together, they explored the intersection of art, culture, and activism, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and challenging stereotypes.
Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to connect, network, and forge new relationships with like-minded individuals who share a passion for social justice and equality. As drinks flowed and light bites were savored, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and camaraderie, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among attendees.
Ultimately, “The New Stereotype: STORIES” left an indelible mark on the Black community, serving as a platform for empowerment, inspiration, and advocacy. By amplifying diverse voices, celebrating Black excellence, and championing authentic storytelling, this event paved the way for positive change and a brighter future for generations to come. Los Angeles Room & Board’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through transformative events like this underscores their dedication to creating a more just and equitable society for all.
The five design houses of KiyoKa Hase, Miari Shigeta, Sun Below, Re Rhee And Yaxin Zone displayed their exquisite creations and diverse fashion palettes.
My absolute personal favorite show was by Japanese brand and designer KiyoKa Jade, which played with textures and layers using the hues of grey, black and whites. The designs were futuristic and out-of-the-box and I could definitely imagine rappers such as Playboi Carti wearing the detailed and baggy looks that were completed with oversized circular black sunglasses.
My second personal favorite was the fashion brand Yaxin Zone by Taiwanese designer Ya-Hsin Chung. Her fabrics were thick, cozy and fluffy and offered a fashionable alternative to winter puffers, with its warm layering. As a contradiction to the soft materials, the designer featured diagonal stitchings of huge zippers and most pieces were asymmetrical, which created a unique experience for onlookers at each turn.
The designer focused heavily on making her creations interesting from all angles, being that an equal amount of focus on detail was placed on the front, sides and back of the outfits. Ya-Hsin also played with accessories such as bags and clip-on, clip-off layers of clothing, so fashionistas can easily transform looks from short to long and vice-versa.
Last night in New York City, Coca-Cola debuted their phenomenal Foodmark experience campaign with the preview of the sold-out Manhattan event, which embraces the iconic Marilyn Monroe captured in one very fun and fabulous historical scene. Launching across the world, Foodmarks are destinations and experiences with a recipe of three key ingredients: the perfect moment, the perfect meal, and an ice-cold Coca-Cola.
“Foodmarks wield the extraordinary power to transcend borders and tell stories of shared experiences and cultural significance. They are a testament to the universal language of mealtime,” said Elif Kaypak, Global Brand Marketing Lead at The Coca-Cola Company. “As we unveil the five global iconic Foodmarks and hundreds more in neighborhoods around the world, we celebrate the moments that have shaped culture and connected us through the shared magic of Coca-Cola.”
For decades, Coca-Cola has been a part of iconic food and culture moments – from films to music hits and more. The unveiling of Foodmarks celebrates newly-created global “food landmarks” inspired by culture, created with the real magic of Coca-Cola. The brand will have five immersive experiences globally, which includes the famous time Marilyn Monroe was photographed enjoying a hot dog and a Coca-Cola from a New York City street cart.
More than 400 Foodmarks are highlighted at launch in cities and neighborhoods around the world, with more being added over the coming weeks, brought to life through a unique partnership with Time Out.
New York City, USA – February 16-17
- The first iconic Foodmark experience will debut in New York City, inspired by the famous photograph of Marilyn Monroe stopping traffic while enjoying a hot dog and an ice-cold Coca-Cola. This immersive three-day experience will create a perfect mashup of 1957 and 2024, incorporating theater, dance, technology, and style, featuring shops, breakout flash-shows, and a virtual Marilyn brought to life through AI – allinspired by 1957 Coca-Cola. Free tickets for the event have already “sold out”, however, a limited number of entries will be available at the experience on a first-come, first serve basis.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – March 1
- In the 80s, Brazilian rock legend Cazuza frequented the bohemian neighborhood of Leblon, enjoying many a late-night meal after a show with an ice-cold Coca-Cola. For The Cazuza Foodmark, Coca-Cola is opening “Pizzaria Cazuza” an 80s themed rock restaurant and music venue serving Cazuza’s favorite pizza and Coca-Cola.
Hong Kong, China – March 8-10
- When “The God of Cookery” came out in the 90s, it became an instant hit in Hong Kong cinema, telling the story of a renowned chef who loses his title and sets out to reclaim it, filled with scenes featuring meals and Coca-Cola. At The God of Cookery Foodmark, Coca-Cola is bringing Hong Kong’s cinematic flavors to life by recreating the renowned ‘Beef Ball Shop’ as an immersive pop-up store.
New Delhi, India – March 8
- Raj Kapoor was the biggest star in Bollywood, and he would often share meals and Coca-Cola with his co-stars and crew on-set during the 1950s. At The Raj Kapoor Foodmark, Coca-Cola is recreating Raj Kapoor’s on-set meal moments, inviting people to enter the golden age of Bollywood in the 1950s, through an immersive film set that combines the magic of 1950s Bollywood with tech forward interactive moments using AR and A.I. The event will be curated and hosted by Janhvi Kapoor, and Raj’s Grandson will curate the menu with his grandfather’s favorite dishes that live on through Junglee Kitchen.
Bangkok, Thailand – April
- Bangkok street food stalls have been the location of legendary meals and Coca-Cola moments forever. These are all being transformed into Foodmarks, all announced through a magic audiovisual experience that celebrates Bangkok’s most epic night out, featuring Thai culture and culinary talent.
Fans can explore and find Foodmarks across the world through a custom interactive map at cocacolafoodmarks.timeout.com as part of a bespoke global campaign created by Time Out.
Photos Courtesy The Coca-Cola Company