This weekend will be a critical marker for the burgeoning independent Black film movement. Opening in theaters in select cities this Friday, Middle of Nowhere is a compelling drama about a young newlywed who puts her happiness on hold as she eagerly awaits for her husband's early release from a five-year prison sentence.

As viewers, we have more power in determining what we consume than we often realize. I'd like to think that given the right access and information, more of us would decide on art that entertains as it takes us higher.