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There were so many great movies that hit the theater in 2013, it was almost hard to choose which ones to go and see. Between Michael B. Jordan’s heart wrenching portrayal of Oscar Grant in “Furitvale Station” and Chiwetel Ejiofor gripping performance alongside Lupita Nyong’o in the Steve McQueen directed “12 Years of Slave” 2013, was to be a year for excellence for black film actors and filmmakers

But there were other films-albeit independent or documentary-that didn’t have the Hollywood blockbuster budget, or big names behind it, that still deserved attention and to be highlighted. So in case you missed it, check out some of the other awesome films that are nominated in the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Free Angela And All Political Prisoners

Codeblack Films/Lionsgate

Running Time: 102 minutes

free-angela

Jada Pinkett Smith and Jay Z  teamed up with writer and director Shola Lynch to tell the story of activist and political prisoner Angela Davis. The poignant documentary sheds light on life for African-Americans during the 60s in America, as well as her 1970 arrest as a result of her involvement in the kidnappings and murders during Jonathan Jackson’s attempt to free the imprisoned Soledad Brothers.

Watch The Trailer:

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete

Codeblack Films/Lionsgate/iDeal Partners/State Street

Running Time: 108 minutes

Screen Shot 2014-02-18 at 3.58.40 PM

Starring Anthony Mackie, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje, produced by Grammy-award winner Alicia Keys. The story is about two teens who have to brave a sweltering summer in Brooklyn, New York, after their mother was taken away from authorities. Mister and Pete must rely on each other and their street smarts for food and to also out wit child protective services.

Watch The Trailer:

Girl Rising

The Documentary Group

Running Time: 101

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This documentary follows nine girls from across the world who must face discrimination and injustice because they are girls. Everything from arranged marriages and child slavery are all topics that are showcased in this powerful documentary. Despite their hardships, each of the girls gets an education also offering hope.

Watch The Trailer:

The Trials of Muhammad Ali

Kartemquin Films

Running Time: 86

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Before becoming the world’s greatest, Muhammad Ali was in the fight of his life while trying to overturn a five-year prison sentence for refusing to join the military during the war in Vietnam. The documentary focuses on Ali’s fight to stay true to his faith as opposed to his fame.

Watch The Trailer:

The New Black

Promised Land Film

Running Time: 80 Minutes

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While the African-American community grapples with the injustices faced everyday, documentarian Yoruba Richen examines how a community littered with injustices must now deal with gay rights issues in light of recent gay rights laws and civil rights issues.

Watch The Trailer:

Watch the 45th Annual NAACP Awards LIVE, exclusively on TV One, in a in a two hour special Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed). Before the main event, see the nominees and even more stars grace the red carpet in a one-hour pre-show at 8:00 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed). 

READ MORE: 

The Complete List Of 45TH NAACP Image Awards Nominees 

Guess Who’s Hosting The 45th NAACP Awards!?

And The Award Goes To: Best Dressed 2014 NAACP Nominees

Step Outside The Box(Office): 5 Must-See Films You May Have Missed In Theaters  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com