The Black Disquisition Poster

The Black Disquisition 2021

11 min📅 2021-10-01

"Based on a true story."

In *The Black Disquisition (2021)*, director Quincy Ledbetter crafts a raw, animated drama that unpacks the weight of systemic injustice through the eyes of a young boy.

Director: Quincy Ledbetter

Cast

Terrance Broughton
Q
Colt William Hager
Brandon
Zainab Jah
Zainab Jah
Sedalia / Mom
Quincy Ledbetter
Self
Spencer Moss
Spencer Moss
Nikki
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
Johnny / Dad
Rusty Schwimmer
Rusty Schwimmer
Employee
John Isaac Small
Jimmy
Haley Webb
Haley Webb
Abby

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Black Disquisition (2021) about?

This animated short film explores how a young boy confronts the trauma of systemic racism after a guidance counselor's question forces him to face uncomfortable truths. The story weaves personal pain with broader societal struggles, revealing the silent battles many Black Americans endure daily. Through stark visuals and poignant dialogue, it transforms a private struggle into a universal call for understanding.

Who directed The Black Disquisition?

Quincy Ledbetter helmed *The Black Disquisition*, infusing the project with his distinctive perspective on race and identity. The film marks his directorial debut and showcases his ability to blend animation with heavy themes.

Who stars in The Black Disquisition?

The cast features Terrance Broughton in the lead role, with Colt William Hager, Zainab Jah, Spencer Moss, and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine rounding out the ensemble.

Is The Black Disquisition (2021) worth watching?

While *The Black Disquisition* isn't a mainstream pick, its bold storytelling and emotional resonance make it a standout in the animated drama genre. The film's brevity belies its impact, offering a poignant, if challenging, exploration of race in America. For viewers who appreciate cinema with depth and purpose, it's absolutely worth your time.

How long is The Black Disquisition?

The runtime for *The Black Disquisition* is 11 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Black Disquisition (2021) — A raw animated drama on systemic injustice

In *The Black Disquisition (2021)*, director Quincy Ledbetter crafts a raw, animated drama that unpacks the weight of systemic injustice through the eyes of a young boy. The film unfolds as a guidance counselor's seemingly simple question ignites a profound reckoning with trauma, revealing how oppression shapes identity in a white supremacist society. With a hauntingly minimalist visual style and layered storytelling, Ledbetter navigates themes of resilience and survival, grounding the narrative in the lived experiences of Black Americans. Terrance Broughton delivers a standout performance that anchors the emotional core, while the ensemble cast—including Colt William Hager and Zainab Jah—amplifies the film's urgency and authenticity.

Set against a stark, almost dreamlike backdrop, the 11-minute runtime belies its emotional depth, leaving a lasting imprint long after the credits roll. The animation serves as a powerful vessel for the film's message, blending stark symbolism with intimate human moments. Audiences seeking thought-provoking cinema that challenges and resonates will find *The Black Disquisition* a compelling, if unsettling, watch.