Becoming Black
2019, German. Directed by Ines Johnson-Spain.
In the 1960s, a white couple living in East Germany tells their dark-skinned child that her skin color is merely a coincidence. As a teenager, she accidentally discovers the truth. Years before, a group of African men came to study in a village nearby. Sigrid, an East German woman, fell in love with Lucien from Togo and became pregnant. But she was already married to Armin. The child is Togolese-East German filmmaker Ines Johnson-Spain. In interviews with Armin and others from her childhood years, she tracks the astonishing strategies of denial her parents, striving for normality, developed following her birth. What sounds like fieldwork about social dislocation becomes an autobiographical essay film and a reflection on themes such as identity, social norms and family ties, viewed from a very personal perspective.
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Becoming Black
Becoming Black isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
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YouTubeAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Ines Johnson-SpainDirector
- Ines Johnson-SpainSelf
- Armin GundermannSelf
- Madeleine Papangou JohnsonSelf
- Germaine Papangou JohnsonSelf
- Geneviève Papangou JohnsonSelf
- Irène Papangou JohnsonSelf
- Christel AndersSelf
- Werner AndersSelf
- Rosi JudischSelf
- Christophe Kuessi JohnsonSelf
- Michael GundermannSelf
- Raymond JohnsonSelf
Details
- Released
- 9 October 2019
- Country
- Germany
- Written by
- Ines Johnson-Spain
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News & fan talk
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Becoming Black: quick answers
Is Becoming Black worth watching?
Becoming Black doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Becoming Black?
Becoming Black runs 91 minutes (1h 31m).
Does Becoming Black have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Becoming Black. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Becoming Black parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Becoming Black yet.
Which OTT platform is Becoming Black on?
Becoming Black isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Becoming Black?
If you liked Becoming Black, try Berlin: Symphony of a Great City, As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty, Anselm.
Who directed Becoming Black?
Becoming Black (2019) was directed by Ines Johnson-Spain and stars Ines Johnson-Spain, Armin Gundermann, Madeleine Papangou Johnson.