The huge success of Marvel's Black Panther has elevated the conversation about diversity and representation in big-budget Hollywood productions.
This weekend, two movies opened in theaters and have become a feature in that conversation.
Love Simon, a film about a teenager dealing with struggling through the process of discovering his sexual identity and the ensuing drama of coming out as gay to his community. And, I Can Only Imagine, a film about finding faith, which is based on the hit song of the same name by the Christian band, Mercy Me.
Both joined the trend of movies showcasing the importance of diversity in storytelling. Moviegoers in the Triad said, Friday, these movies really matter.
"We need more than just white men telling stories about white men," said Cindy Williams, who came to see Love Simon at the Regal Grand Theater at the Friendly Center in Greensboro. Williams said she had read reviews online which cast a doubt in her mind about the movie.
"It was wonderful," exclaimed a delighted Williams as she exited the theater.
Critics say Simon is a hero for teens who are also struggling with their identity. Brooke Hodgins, a media studies student, who came to see the movie with a friend agreed the movies' subject is important to showcase.
"Maybe people are going to be more open about it and maybe feel that they don't need to hide anymore," said Hodgins.
Hodgins and Williams decried the fact that movies like Love Simon are often relegated to the 'Indy Film' category and do not get a lot of publicity or funding.
"It's nice to see other stories like this on the big screen and a with a budget that is really good," added Williams.
"This movie is about loving one another whether they are gay or handicapped or they look different from us we have to love each other," submitted Joe Vodenichar, a U.S. Veteran, who came to see 'I Can Only Imagine.'
The movie touches on child abuse, redemption, and forgiveness. The story chronicles the life journey of Bart Millard, singer-songwriter of Mercy Me and his transition from childhood into young adulthood.
Dee Dixon who loves going to the movies with her best friend of 55 years said faith-based films like this helped people cope with things they are going through in real life.
"They help us think about what we do believe and what we feel in our hearts. They also help us to understand why some things happen in our lives and why some things don't," said Dixon who added that the song, I Can Only Imagine, is one of her favorites worship songs.
"You can find inspiration in all movies if you are watching the story and it just has to speak to you," said Marie Wade, Dixon's friend.
The producers of 'I Can Only Imagine' are getting praise for their attempt at integrating a faith-based movie into the mainstream. According to the website Rotten Tomatoes, 97% of the people who've seen the movie said they liked it. The Rotten Tomatoes critics scored Love Simon 91 percent.