'Black is King': Five takeaways from Beyonce's new film trailer

Queen Bey will drop a visual album on Disney+ next month

Beyonce's 'Black Is King' is a celebration of Black resilience and culture. Courtesy Disney

She's won countless industry awards, founded an entertainment company, launched a fashion line and even created a just-as-famous alter ego, but now Beyonce is trying her hand at artistic filmmaking, as she's announced the debut of her own visual album on Disney+ this July.

Black Is King will be a celebration of Black culture, and will premiere globally on the streaming service on Friday, July 31.

Queen Bey dropped the first trailer for the film on Sunday, and these are our five takeaways.

It's inspired by 'The Lion King'

July 31 also marks the first anniversary of the release of Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King.

The new film aims to reimagine the lessons of that film "for today's young kings and queens in search of their own crowns", a statement explains.

Beyonce created a soundtrack album for 'The Lion King'. AFP

It is based on the music of Beyonce's soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift and stars featured artists, which included Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, 070 Shake, Tierra Whack, Jay Z, Blue Ivy Carter and Jessie Reyez, as well as African artists including Wizkid, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salatiel.

There will also be some other guest appearances in the film.

It's going to be a true feast for the eyes

Judging by the trailer, which runs for more than one minute, no expenses have been spared in the making of this film.

The chosen clips prove it's an amalgamation of over-the-top costumes, interspersed with special effects and some incredible choreography, naturally.

Watch the full trailer here:

It's a story about a young king

The voyages of Black families throughout time are honoured in the film, the statement tells us. It's about a young king's journey through betrayal, love and self identity, as his ancestors help guide him to his destiny. He uses his father's teachings, as well as guidance from his childhood love, to earn the virtues he needs in order to reclaim his home and throne.

It's a celebration of Black culture

The lessons of the young king are reflected through voices of today, "now sitting in their own power", says the statement.

Overall, this story aims to emphasise the beauty of tradition, and celebrate Black resilience, culture and excellence. It is "an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals".

Videos for My Power, Mood 4 Eva and Brown Skin Girl are set to be elegant and soulful.

"The film is a story for the ages that informs and rebuilds the present. A reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs. A story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future."

Beyonce has something very significant to say

The singer-songwriter also recently released a surprise single called Black Parade, on Juneteenth. She announced on her website that proceeds from the song will benefit Black-owned small businesses through her BeyGOOD initiative.

"Black excellence is a form of protest," the post on her site said. "Black joy is your right."

Last night, she also received the humanitarian award at the BET Awards, and dedicated this accolade to Black Lives Matter protesters in America, urging them to vote in the coming elections.

“I want to dedicate this award to all of my brothers out there, all of my sisters out there inspiring me, marching and fighting for change," she said in her acceptance speech.

Beyonce accepts the humanitarian award during the 2020 BET Awards. BET via AP

"Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain. Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote.

“I’m encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system."