The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)

About The Last Black Man in San Francisco

This American drama follows the story of a young man named Jimmie Fails who dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Joined by his aspiring playwright friend, Mont, they embark on a journey across San Francisco to assert their place in a city that seems to have left them behind. It's a poignant and sweeping story of hometowns and how they're made—and kept alive—by the people who love them.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Plan B Entertainment and A24, directed by Joe Talbot (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Joe Talbot and Rob Richert. The story is based on the real-life experiences of Jimmie Fails, who plays a fictionalized version of himself in the movie. It was shot in various locations across San Francisco, including the iconic Fillmore District.

Actors

• Jimmie Fails: Plays a version of himself in the movie, trying to reclaim the house that his grandfather built. His performance is heartfelt and meaningful, deeply embodying the struggle of displacement and identity.
• Jonathan Majors: Plays Mont Allen, Jimmie's best friend. Majors gives a tender performance as the sensitive and observant Mont, who is writing a play about their experiences.
• Danny Glover: Plays Grandpa Allen. Glover renders a powerful performance as a sensitive old man reminiscing about the past and supporting his grandson's aspirations.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on the experiences of actor Jimmie Fails, who lived in the house his grandfather built, from which his family was displaced.
• The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2019.
• The striking Victorian home that is centric to the story is located in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, a neighborhood that has historically been a hub of African-American culture.

Awards

The Last Black Man in San Francisco won several awards, including the Directing Award for U.S. Dramatic Feature at the Sundance Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.

Quotes

• "You don't get to hate it unless you love it." - Jimmie Fails
• "I always come back to the old house. What if it's empty? What if we just peep inside?" - Jimmie Fails
• "We built these ships, dredged these canals, in the San Francisco they never knew existed." - Mont Allen

Music and Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack echoes the blend of hope, despair, and gentrification occurring within the narrative. The score done by Emile Mosseri includes pieces like "San Francisco", "The Last Black Man in San Francisco", and "You're Not Better Than Us".
• The music combines traditional orchestral elements with more soulful and contemporary aspects, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the film's exploration of the evolving identity of San Francisco.