KOBI LIBII
“American Society of Magical Negroes”
Though the title immediately lends itself to explosive, multidimensional worldbuilding, Libii didn’t originally conceive “The American Society of Magical Negroes” as a feature. “I assumed it was going to be probably a twoand-a-half-minute sketch,” says Libii. “[But] I came up for air after working on it for way too long and it felt like I was writing something about something bigger.”
Less an indictment of the narrative trope coined by Spike Lee than a pathway for the Fort Wayne, Ind., native to examine the defense mechanisms he’d been taught for responding to racism and white supremacy, “Magical Negroes” evidences Libii’s organic transition to directing after studying theater and improv comedy at Yale and Chicago’s Second City. “There were stories that I wanted that weren’t being told,” he recalls. Even so, he bristles at shouldering responsibility for capturing the full breadth of the lives of American people of color.
“My hope would be that we’re moving toward a world where we can all be telling stories that reflect us personally, but not necessarily every person that has everything in common with us.”
Libii emphasizes he’s interested in stories about what enables people to grow. “To be better than they were the day before,” he says. “I find it terrifically hard — and also really inspiring — when people can actually do it.” As with “Magical Negroes,” he embraces the opportunity to have fun while exploring challenging ideas. “I always want to find something really unvarnished and honest and profound to me,” Libii explains. “I have a comedy background, so shame and embarrassment are things we like as funny people.”
So if I have that feeling that I’ve said too much or I’ve given too much away, I often chase that thing, because there’s often something there that is really true and transgressive.” — T.G.
Reps: Agency: UTA; Management: Ames Hashagen Entertainment; Legal: Schreck, Rose, Dapello, Adams, Berlin & Dunham Influences: Spike Lee, Spike Jones, Robert Altman, Sidney Lumet