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Being a stranger in a strange land can be an uncomfortable, exasperating experience. At the same time, though, it can also be just what one needs, especially for those seeking to turn their lives around. Such is the case with Khalid (actor-director Derrick B. Harden), a genial, ambitious, opportunistic African-American dreamer from Brooklyn who, sadly, just doesn't seem to be able to get his act together. But, when he's offered a lucrative new opportunity - one he finds on Facebook of all places - to relocate to Sozopol, a small Bulgarian resort town on the Black Sea coast, to become the "companion" of a woman in desperate "need" of finding a Black man (on the advice of a fortune teller), he jumps at the chance. There's just one hitch - hours before his arrival, she dies, thereby stranding him without his payment and the means to return home. Those circumstances are further complicated when his passport is stolen, leaving him stuck and unable to book a flight back to the US. He thus reluctantly becomes reconciled to the idea of having to stay put for a while as he attempts to sort out his circumstances. However, the more time he spends in his unexpected new home, the more he finds himself easily fitting in and making friends with the locals, especially Ina (Irmena Chichikova), the owner of a travel agency and his eventual business partner in a popular café/night spot. And, except for some menacing dealings with a powerful local godfather (Stoyo Mirkov) who's accustomed to being the community's top dog (and resents being upstaged by the popular new arrival), things generally go well for the unwitting transplant. But will they stay that way? Directors Harden and Crystal Moselle have put together a real charmer in this warm, funny comedy-drama chronicling the evolution of an infectiously likable character beset with a seemingly impossible challenge but who aggressively hustles to successfully make lemonade out of the big bushel of lemons that's been handed him. The story's focus on a hapless but amiable everyman who's unceremoniously marooned in a wholly unfamiliar setting (one that most American viewers are also likely unfamiliar with) in which he doesn't speak the language gives this film a distinctive character all its own, a refreshing development in light of the current sagging state of the domestic movie industry. Despite some occasional narrative meandering, this offering is otherwise a real gem, a heartwarming comedy in which one can't help but pull for the underdog, no matter how much he might slip up or inadvertently get in his own way. "The Black Sea" is indeed a rare find, one that now genuinely deserves to have an audience find it.

The Black Sea is such a perfect indie gem! It's about a Black man who finds himself in Bulgaria and has to navigate this totally unexpected situation. The story is funny, touching, and so well-acted. The characters feel super real, which makes it easy to get invested in their lives. It never feels cliché, although it can be a little slow moving at times.

I'm also pretty sure this is the director's first movie, and honestly, he he did a pretty amazing job. I watched it in New York, and the director was there afterwards to hang out and talk about the film. You could really tell how much heart he put into it.

Definitely worth watching!

The Black Sea" is a refreshingly heartwarming cinematic gem, anchored by the charismatic Derrick B. Harden. He brilliantly portrays Khalid, a Brooklyn dreamer hilariously stranded, penniless, in a small Bulgarian town by the Black Sea. What unfolds isn't a struggle, but a charming, often funny, and deeply touching journey of unexpected human connection.

Harden's magnetic performance brings an infectious optimism that lights up the screen, as Khalid effortlessly bridges cultural divides and forms genuine friendships. The film beautifully celebrates finding joy in simplicity and the surprising kindness of strangers. It's a powerful reminder that even when things go wonderfully wrong, you might just find exactly where you belong. "The Black Sea" is a genuinely uplifting and feel-good fantastic watch! Can't recommend enough!

The Black Sea is about a Black man from Brooklyn who goes to Bulgaria on a one-way ticket to be a sugar daddy for an older woman. But when she unexpectedly dies, he's left stranded and has to figure out how to make a life for himself. At first, he just scrambles to get by, taking whatever work he can find, but over time, he starts chasing the dreams he never got the chance to pursue back home.

I loved how real and grounded this movie felt. The main actor was incredible-he brought so much depth and charisma to the role that I couldn't stop rooting for him. The story balances being funny, heartfelt, and serious really well, and it feels like something that could actually happen.

It's also one of those movies that stays with you because it's not just about survival; it's about transformation. By the end, you really feel like the character has gone on this amazing journey-and you've gone with him.

Highly recommend checking it out. I hope we see more from this director and actor because they're both super talented.

The Black Sea is a refreshingly heartwarming cinematic gem, anchored by the charismatic Derrick B. Harden. He brilliantly portrays Khalid, a Brooklyn dreamer hilariously stranded, penniless, in a small Bulgarian town by the Black Sea. What unfolds isn't a struggle, but a charming, often funny, and deeply touching journey of unexpected human connection.

Harden's magnetic performance brings an infectious optimism that lights up the screen, as Khalid effortlessly bridges cultural divides and forms genuine friendships. The film beautifully celebrates finding joy in simplicity and the surprising kindness of strangers. It's a powerful reminder that even when things go wonderfully wrong, you might just find exactly where you belong. "The Black Sea" is a genuinely uplifting and feel-good watch!