‘Unapologetic’ Centers Black Women Activists in Chicago
The buzzworthy documentary provides insight into the fight against anti-Black racism in the Windy City
From the moment Unapologetic begins, it’s clear that it is not the typical documentary. It’s not just that Unapologetic centers Black women. In Chicago no less. It’s rather the way it does it. There’s an energy, vibrancy and even urgency to it. But, most importantly, it’s infused with love as well as passion. That’s a significant distinction because so often social justice documentaries are filled with passion and a lot of anger. In her feature documentary debut, director Ashley O’Shay centers not just the social justice issue at hand, but the activists themselves, sharing their motivations and backstories to lead.
Unapologetic focuses on Janaé Bonsu and Ambrell “Bella” Gambrell and their fight to racial and social justice. They are a fitting focus for such a documentary, as these two young women are unapologetically themselves all across the board. There’s an intimacy to Unapologetic often not seen in social justice documentaries, with the two subjects becoming so familiar they almost feel like personal friends in addition to champions. As they speak truth to power, they are unafraid to stand proudly for all Black women, including those who identify as…
