‘Dreaming Whilst Black’ Star Adjani Salmon on Why Breaking into the Industry Is Just the Beginning
Hollywood Reporter
by Kevin CassidyFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
‘Dreaming Whilst Black’ delves into the challenges faced by Black British filmmakers like Adjani Salmon, who co-created and stars in the series as Kwabena, a struggling filmmaker navigating an industry dominated by white creators. The show, now streaming its second season on Paramount+ following its UK premiere, explores themes of racial inequality and systemic barriers faced by marginalized voices in entertainment. Inspired by Salmon’s personal frustrations with breaking into the film industry, the series highlights the dual struggles of balancing creative aspirations with real-life obstacles, such as low-paying jobs and limited opportunities for Black creators.
The first season introduces Kwabena as a aspiring filmmaker juggling a day job and side hustles while striving to make his debut feature, Jamaica Road. His journey is paralleled by the experiences of his friends and collaborators, including Amy, Maurice, Funmi, and Vanessa, who collectively represent the struggles and hopes of Black British creators. The second season shifts focus, depicting Kwabena’s breakthrough as a writer on a “color-blind” historical drama—a term critics argue masks systemic exclusion.
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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/24/2026