Black films documenting black lives, matter at 13th British Urban Film Festival on Wed 7th June at Bernie Grants Arts Centre Since 2017.
With the emergence of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, B.U.F.F has made a concerted effort to double the offering of black-led or produced films in the festival.
A festival which began in 2005, and has been unapologetically inclusive due to the diverse programming and self-funding by the festival director, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe. Known as the most diverse festival in the country, committed its existing groundbreaking programming to dedicate one whole screening to the short films that depict the times and indeed the tragedy inspired by some of the world’s most heartbreaking stories.
The Black Films Matter programme for 2018 celebrates the work of emerging filmmakers with nine exquisite short films, all written, produced or directed by black filmmakers from the U.K. and abroad.
Bodega (dir. Donna Augustin & Talibah Lateefah Newman) Bodega! takes an intimate, dramatic, and comedic look at a community facing rapid gentrification. When a newcomer to the neighborhood is disrespectful to two longtime residents, combative interactions between them ensue. This film takes a realistic look at the potential outcomes from people who feel invisible or disregarded in their neighborhood.
Young Gifted & Grinding (dir. Ndrika Anyika) Young, Gifted and Grinding focuses on innovative black entrepreneurs in Britain who are carving out opportunities for themselves and turning their passion into profit. The themes of which are: The Hair Industry, New Media, The Art Industry and Publishing.
Colour Blind (dir. Tracy Kiryango) Racial tension amplified by the Brixton riots in 1981, has sparked a much-needed dialogue between this interracial couple. Lyle is trying his best to avoid any sensitive topics, fearful that his lack knowledge will ruin their relationship, while Kahlea is trying her hardest to deepen their bond by bridging the gap between their two cultures.
The Counter 1960 (dir. Tracy Twinkie Byrd) Three “woke” Black students from 2017 find themselves sitting at a lunch counter in 1960. Will they be served?
Black for a Cause (dir. Stephen Thompson) Black for a Cause documents one man’s forty-year fight to clear his name following a miscarriage of justice. The story follows Black Power Activist Winston Trew, who served a two-year prison sentence after being falsely convicted of theft, robbery and assault on police officers.
The Riot Act (dir. Oliver Riley-Smith) Set during the London riots of 2011, after filming a police shooting, an amateur journalist takes to the streets to capture the ensuing protests. When he becomes embroiled with a looter and is attacked by riot policemen, he must decide whether to remain a witness or use his footage to fight back.
The Battle of Lewisham (dir. Nacheal Catnott) A film centred on the Battle of Lewisham and the effect that this memorable event had on the fight towards racial equality in Britain.
Rolling in The Deep (dir. Marcellus Cox) An WW2 Black Veteran who travels back home to South Carolina looking to achieve a goal for his late Father, having a meal at an locally famous Whites Only Diner.
Kings (dir. Jamaal Scott) A short film about healing racial tensions, told from the eyes of a rookie police officer in Oakland, California. In years to come, these days and times will be studied by future generations, who will ask themselves “If I was alive, what would I have done?” These films each offer solutions, responses and most importantly, a voice – from the perspective of black people, by black people.
Watch these exceptional films,Thursday 7 June 12 -4pm at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham, 12-4pm.
Tickets are £12 find out more and book tickets here.