8th
8 – 15 SEPTEMBER 2006
SOUVENIR GUIDE £1 BR ING ING TH E UN SE EN TO LIG HT WW W. BF MM ED IA .CO M
V E N U E I N F O R M AT I O N
Cineworld Cinemas Shaftsbury Avenue Trocadero 7-14 Coventry Street Piccadilly Circus London W1D 7DH Box Office: 0871 200 2000 www.cineworld.co.uk (to book tickets online) Tickets: £8.90 £5.80 bfm members & concessions Tube: Piccadilly Circus Tricycle Cinema 269 Kilburn High Road Kilburn Box Office: 020 7328 1000 www.tricycle.co.uk Ticket Price: £7 bfm members price £5 Group of 10 people: Tickets £5 each Tube: Kilburn Short Film Awards 15th September 2006 Prince Charles Cinema 7 Leicester Place WC2H 7BY Box Office 020 7437 7003 www.princecharlescinema.com Ticket Price: £10 bfm members & concessions £8.50 Group of 10 people: Tickets £8.50 each Note: Ticket price includes screenings, awards, and live music. Tube: Leicester Square bfm Hotline 020 7540 0550 www.bfmmedia.com
4
Forward
5
Introduction
6
Skillset
8
Timetable
11
Gala Screening
13
Hip-Hop
18
US
23
Faith
25 Latin 28
Africa
32
Caribbean
35 UK Talent 41
UK Talent Profile – Adaora Nwanku
44 Short Film Awards 48 UK Talent Profile – Shabazz L. Graham 50 Tribute – John La Rose 54 Feature – What is a Hip-Hop Horror Film? 56 Seminars 58 Festival Credits 62 Sponsors, Supporters & Funders
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Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) The Mall London SW1Y 5AH Box Office: 020 7930 3647 www.ica.org.uk (to book tickets online) Tickets £8/£7 Concessions (no cons weekends) £6 ICA & bfm members Tube: Charing Cross/Embankment/Piccadilly Circus
CONTENTS
3
4
FORWARD
Stephen Timms, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
“Congratulations on bfm’s 8th International Film Festival. I am delighted to see such a wide range of films being screened in London, and in the Midlands too. Britain’s diversity is increasingly a source of admiration from around the world, and a source of our economic prosperity too. The festival will help promote greater understanding of different cultures, raise awareness and bring diversity and choice through world cinema, which all parts of the community can enjoy. One of the Government’s strategic priorities is to increase the impact of culture and sports to enrich individuals’ lives, strengthen communities and improve the places where people live now and in the future. The celebration of cultures through this festival supports these aims and is going – I know – to be hugely enjoyable. I wish the festival every success.”
“Film is about telling stories. Yet again, the talent showcased and diversity of films being exhibited demonstrates great storytelling and is truly impressive. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved. This is why Skillset is delighted to work closely with bfm and is happy to support the bfm International Film Festival.”
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Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset
Marlon Palmer, Director of Kush Films & Palmer PR
“Kush Films & Palmer PR would like to sincerely wish the 8th bfm International Film Festival a successful 2006. It is through the hard work of a few organisations like bfm that have kept black filmmaking in the spotlight, without their tenacious work, independent black filmmakers wouldn’t have this annual UK platform to showcase their undoubted talents. Kush supports the development of a UK black film industry that works right alongside the mainstream film industry, where the next generation of UK children can access positive black images from all genres. We look forward to helping develop stronger relations between Kush Films & bfm creating a tour-de-force of work that opens closed industry doors and brings about a realisation of new works by filmmakers of colour.”
INTRODUCTION
5
“Bringing the Unseen to Light” Welcome to the 8th bfm International Film Festival. This year we have come up with a mouth watering programme of films to satisfy everyone. We have Caribbean, African, Latin, US, hip-hop, faith films and of course UK talent. One of the festival’s main aims is to be a vehicle for black British talent, giving them a unique opportunity to show their work to mainstream audiences and this year is no exception. We are delighted that our UK Talent strand is linked with Time Out’s – London on Screen season showcasing UK talent past and present. Our closing night event, the prestigious Short Film Awards, is the highlight event for new writers, directors, actors and cinematographers so come and support local talent.
Ionie Richards, Festival Director
In addition to films, our popular seminars programme in association with the BBC and ITV and FilmFour, provides individuals with a unique chance to interact with industry professionals and network.
Menelik Shabazz, Festival Founder
We thank the Hip-Hop Association of America and Something from Brazil, who have both collaborated with us on several screenings within this year’s programme, all our sponsors for their support to help make this event a success and we thank you, the audience, for your continued attendance to this key event in our annual festival calendar. So sit back and feast on the fantastic selection we have for you this year. Priscilla Igwe, Executive Director
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We have come a long way in the last year as the bfm brand expands and goes from strength to strength. We are delighted that we have not only been able to extend the festival in London this year but we will take it to the Midlands at the end of September so that regional audiences can also enjoy the fantastic programme we offer to our London audiences. In addition to our magazine and monthly film club screenings we also have our own film review TV programme Rollin’ on Sky Digital Channel 183 – Passion TV. Go to www.bfmmedia.com for more information on the range of bfm services.
6
SKILLSET
S
killset supports talent across the film industry through its five year film skills strategy, A Bigger Future which addresses the skills and creative development of the entire workforce to help ensure that UK film talent has the world beating skills needed to compete in an increasingly tough global market place. Since the launch of A Bigger Future in September 2003, £3m has been invested in the continual professional development of the existing workforce and £2.3m in training new entrants, benefiting more than 3200 individuals. Highlights to date include: Skillset Screen Academy Network – centres of excellence in film education across the UK. The Network, which consists of 6 Screen Academies and 1 Film Business Academy, is endorsed by the UK film industry as providing the best education and skills development for the future workforce at a further, higher and postgraduate level. The 7 academies in England, Scotland, and Wales will share over £5m funding and will work together to provide new courses – including the first ever film MBA – summer schools, work placements, master classes, bursaries, online learning resources and a talent scout programme to help develop the brightest and the best.
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To find out more visit www.skillset.org/academies Guiding Lights Guiding Lights is a groundbreaking and innovative new mentoring project pairing 26 of the hottest new talents in the UK – from directors and producers to distributors and sales agents – with established industry figures such as Gurinder Chadha; Julian Fellowes; Michael Kuhn; and Paul Greengrass. Mentoring is an invaluable way to tap into the knowledge and experience of others especially in the film industry where many vital skills are learnt on the job.
Timeshift – an initiative to help experienced film professionals with primary child care responsibilities return to work by providing job sharing roles on film productions. Animation Bridge – an intensive 12 week specialised programme in Maya animation techniques for experienced animators held at Aardman Animations in Bristol. Grips Apprenticeship Scheme – an 18 month placement based scheme with monthly one day workshops. Escape Studios VFX | Production Grade – production training for aspiring CG artists consisting of 5 months full-time training at Escape Studios working on production projects followed by a 2-month work placement at a top UK post-house. Skillset Film Lab – a year long programme of workshops for actors to develop their skills in the medium of film led by high-powered practitioners including Brain Cox and Ewan MacGregor. Angels Wardrobe Scheme – an 18 month structured, work based training programme within Angels, the world's leading costume company, for prospective wardrobe assistants. New Producer Training Scheme – a 1 year scheme run by Samuelson’s Productions placing new producers across the film value chain. For more information on visit www.skillset.org/film
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T I M E TA B L E DATE
TIME
VENUE (SCREEN NO)
SHORTS FEATURES
Fri 8th Opening Night Film
20.30
CINEWORLD (7)
Madea’s Family Re-union + Q&A
Sat 9th US/Hip Hop Strand
14:00
CINEWORLD (7)
Freedomland
ICA (1)
*Youngster (7mins)+ Finally Sayin’ What I Really Mean
TRICYCLE
Release + Police Beat
ICA (2)
*Funk Hunt + * Arts of 16 Bars + Q&A
16:30
CINEWORLD (7)
Flip the Script +Q&A
18:15
ICA (1)
*4Real + *Beyond Beats and Rhymes + Q&A
18.30
CINEWORLD (7)
Love Trap + Q&A
ICA (2)
*Nobody Knows My Name (58mins) + Scene Not Heard (40mins)
20.30
ICA (2)
Letter to the President
21.00
CINEWORLD (7)
Diary of a Tired Black Man
14.00
CINEWORLD (7)
Queens of Sound
ICA (1)
Reunion + Q&A
CINEWORLD (7)
Love Trap + Q&A
TRICYCLE
Preaching to the Choir + Q&A
16.30
ICA (2)
Lark & Cher + Winning Lisa + Q&A
18.30
CINEWORLD (7)
Madea’s Family Reunion + Q&A
ICA (2)
Diary of a Tired Black Man
ICA (1)
The Adventures of Supern*gger + Bastards of the Party + Q&A tbc
ICA (2)
Root & Branch + Rag Tag
18.00
CINEWORLD
**City Of Women
18.30
ICA (2)
Anne B Real
19.30
CINEWORLD (7)
**Programas
20.30
ICA (1)
*Male Groupie, *Resistencia + *Inventos
ICA (2)
Flip the Script + Q&A
16:00
Hip-Hop DJ Night Sun 10th Faith Strand
16.00
www.bfmmedia.com
20.30
Mon 11th Latin Strand
9 DATE
TIME
VENUE (SCREEN NO)
SHORTS FEATURES
Tues 12th Africa Strand
17.00
CINEWORLD (7)
The Origin of Aids
18:15
ICA (2)
*The Adventures of Supern*gger + Bastards of the Party Q&A tbc
18.30
ICA (1)
*United Nations of Hip-Hop + *Bling: Consequences and Repercussions + Slave Reparations: The Final Passage + A Black Scholar Investigates Colonialism
19.00
CINEWORLD (7)
The Mamtsotsi Bird + The Widow
20.45
ICA (2)
*Docta Know + *Hali Halsi + Lions Mountains + Q&A
18.00
CINEWORLD (7)
Dream to Change the World
18.30
ICA (1)
Soca, Sweat & Sequins +Haiti The Sleeping Giant
ICA (2)
Queens of Sound
19.30
CINEWORLD (7)
Coping with Babylon
20.30
ICA (2)
Gold digger Killer
17.00
CINEWORLD (7)
Rag Tag + Q&A
18:15
ICA (2)
Pressure
19.30
CINEWORLD (7)
Life & Lyrics + Q&A
20.30
ICA (2)
Natty on the Run+ Young Soul Rebels
20.45
ICA (1)
The Idea + Rulers and Dealers + Q&A
Wed 13th Caribbean Strand
Thurs 14th UK Strand
Closing Night Party 20.30
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
Confetti + One Day at a Time + The Trousseau + Sweet Obsession + Sparkle + Connexions + Winnie and the Duppy Bat
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Fri 15th Short Film Awards
*Screenings presented in collaboration with ‘The Hip-Hop Association’ ** Screenings presented in collaboration with ‘Something from Brasil’
GALA NIGHT SCREENING
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Madea's Family Reunion
An unstoppable force of nature, Madea may have finally taken on more than she can chew. She has just been court ordered to be in charge of Nikki, a
rebellious runaway, her nieces Lisa and Vanessa are suffering relationship trouble, and through it all she has to organize her family reunion. As the reunion approaches, secrets are revealed and tensions rise. Madea must use every tactic in her arsenal to not only keep the peace, but keep her family together. The cast of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion includes Tyler Perry, Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield, Boris Kodjoe, Henry Simmons, Lisa Arrindell Anderson, Maya Angelou and Cicely Tyson. 8 Sept, 8:30pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 10 Sept, 6:30pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 Screening followed by Q&A. Roger Bobb (co-producer)
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Director & Writer Tyler Perry, 107mins, USA, 2006 The 8th bfm International Film Festival opener is the European Premiere of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion which grossed over $30m on its opening weekend at the US box office. The film follows on from the success of Perry’s previous film the award-winning Diary of a Mad Black Woman starring Kimberly Elise which was well received at last year’s festival. ased upon the acclaimed stage production, Tyler Perry’s Madea's Family Reunion continues the adventures of southern matriarch Madea begun in the hit film Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
I
n collaboration with the US Hip-Hop Association, bfm are pleased to bring to the festival over 20 hiphop films from the US, Africa and Latin America, many tackling common issues of political and social policies, racism, corruption and the impact of hip-hop as an instrument to effect change. We have full length features such as Anne B Real, Golddigger Killer a hip-hop horror, Letter to the President that looks at US politics over the last 30 years, to global musical excursions into Africa in documentaries such as Docta Know and Bling: Consequences and Repercussions. We also include Latin films that give a voice to the youth in countries like Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. The Hip-Hop Association was founded in 2002 in Harlem to foster, facilitate, and preserve hip-hop culture! Their mission is to utilize the culture as a tool to encourage critical thinking, social change and unity, while empowering communities through media, education, preservation, and leadership initiatives. Through H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] media initiative the association has produced the largest hip-hop film festival in the world, highlighting the best films
and filmmakers. Its mission is to create cultural sustainability & industry longevity by supporting the use of hip-hop culture as a tool for social awareness & youth empowerment. The organisation works with aspiring and experienced filmmakers, encouraging them to develop and create new work that showcases positive images of hip-hop culture. "The Community of filmmakers inspired by hip-hop culture is much larger than many people realize. It is inspiring to see this work gaining increasing recognition. These filmmakers have an important voice that resonates globally, enriching the entire filmmaking community," says Rolando Brown, Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Association. This partnership with bfm will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the best of global hip hop to hungry UK audiences. Mona Ibrahim from the Hip Hop Association will be attending question and answer sessions following the screenings of a selection of hip-hop films throughout the festival. See programme for details or visit www. bfmmedia.com For more information on the Hip-Hop Association and it’s initiatives visit www.hiphopassociation.org.
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HIP-HOP
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14
HIP-HOP
Letter to the President*
Anne B. Real*
Dir: Thomas Gibson, USA, 2004, 90mins This feature-length documentary showcases hiphop's close-knit ties to America's social and political policies in the last thirty years. Witness rap's birth from civil rights and black power movements and its own progression from being music heard at weekend block parties to its lyrics being debated in the halls of Congress. It delves deeply into President Ronald Reagan's policies that negatively affected minority communities and inspired pioneer rap artists such as Grandmaster Melle Mel and Run DMC to tell the whole world about it in song. Artists such as Russell Simmons struggled to get laws overturned that targeted those minorities. 9 Sept, 8.30pm: ICA Cinema 2
Dir: Lisa France USA, 2003, 90mins This coming of age tale set in the heart of New York is about a teenage girl Cynthia who uses the Diary of Anne Frank as her muse, as well as the events in her life, creates her own journal through rhymes. Cynthia is an introverted girl longs to be a hip-hop star but hides her true talent from others, only practicing her rhymes in the privacy of her own bathroom. Will Cynthia finally break free from all that is holding her back and embrace her true self? 11 Sept, 6.30pm : ICA Cinema 2
Finally Sayin’ What I Really Mean
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Dir: Monique Woods USA 2006, 75mins Finally Sayin’ What I Really Mean... is a feature length music documentary that, through conversations with various musical artists, poets, and social activists, explores the question of what good music is, and further discusses stepping outside of the industry's definition of what their music should be and how it should be represented. Over 30 signed and independent artists including talk freely and openly about the music industry. Features performances from Jill Scott, KRS-One and Omar. Winner of “Audience Choice Award” 2006 Atlanta Hip Hop Film Festival.
15 Scene Not Heard*
Youngster* Dir: Will Cannon, USA 2005, 7mins (Supporting Short) Marcus Jenkins is a 12-year-old kid who is new to the world of dealing crack. On one of his first deals, a pushy, strung-out crack addict named Ronald Williams approaches Marcus. Marcus mistakenly gives Ronald a crack rock without first getting paid. Marcus demands the money, but Ronald has an excuse for every demand. As Marcus’ patience starts to wear thin, he must decide whether to trust a man with every reason to lie, or to try and recover the money by his own means. 9 Sept, 2pm ICA: Cinema 1 Screening followed by director Q&A
Dir: Maori Holmes USA, 2005, 40mins Right from the beginning of the hip-hop movement; Philadelphia artists have made major contributions as emcees, graffiti artists, dancers, and especially as deejays. Scene Not Heard seeks to tell the story of these women as they struggle to succeed in a maledominated industry. Features interviews with some of the originators of hip-hop such as Lady B, Schoolly D and Rennie Harris, plus Bahamadia, Ursula Rucker, and current talents such as the Jazzyfatnastees, Ms. Jade, Lady Alma and emerging talents as well as scholars, critics and local promoters.
Dir: Rachel Raimist USA, 1999, 58mins Nobody Knows My Name tells the story of women who are connected by their love for hip-hop music. Despite the fact that these talented female artists exist within a culture that revolves around selfexpression, the subjects of Raimist’s documentary must struggle to be heard. Through the candid study of these women, documentarian Raimist explores a fascinating and diverse feminist community, which yearns to find a place in a male-dominated subculture that is, in itself, marginalized. Ultimately, Raimist succeeds in empowering these self-actualized women by giving them voice for which they struggle. 9 Sept, 6.30pm ICA: Cinema 2
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Nobody Knows My Name*
16
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HIP-HOP Art of 16 Bars*
Funk Hunt* (Supporting Short)
Dir: Peter Spirer USA, 2005, 82mins The Art of 16 Bars is the blueprint for the art form as well as a journey into the mind of the MC; where they came from, what inspired them, how they navigated their way to the top. The Art of 16 Bars, is the sequel to THE MC: Why We Do It, featuring interviews with Legendary MC’s, Kanye West, Rakim, Jay-Z, KRS-One, Nas, Slick Rick, Q-Tip, Method Man, Common, Russell Simmons, Talib Kweli, 50 Cent, Redman, Jadakiss, Twista, Guru, Raekwon, MC Lyte, and Kool Moe Dee among others.
Dir/Co-Producer: Romain Gavras, USA/France, 2001, 13mins A short film about the journey of an abandoned funk record that ventures through many unexpected hands to become a hip-hop hit. 9 Sept, 4pm ICA: Cinema 2 Screening followed by Mona Ibrahim, representative from Hip-Hop Association Q&A.
Beyond Beats and Rhymes: A Hip-Hop Head Weighs in on Manhood in Hip-Hop Culture*
4 Real*
Dir/Producer: Byron Hurt USA, 2006, 60mins This 2006 Sundance Film Festival selection is a riveting documentary that examines representations of manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture. Features highly revealing interviews with famous rappers such as Mos Def, Fat Joe, Chuck D, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, along with cultural commentary from Michael Eric Dyson, Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Kevin Powell, and Sarah Jones.
Dir/Producer: Sol Guy, Josh Thome. USA, 2006, 24mins 4 Real is a series of shows that takes celebrity guests on adventures around the world to expose real stories of real heroes creating real change on real issues. This series of half hour shows highlights young leaders, who under extreme circumstances are doing innovative and inspirational work. 9 Sept, 6.15pm ICA: Cinema 1 Screening followed by Mona Ibrahim, representative from Hip-Hop Association Q&A.
18 US
b
fm brings a touch of not just Hollywood but a broad US indie strand to this year’s festival from blockbusters like Freedomland, a nail biting suspense thriller starring Award nominated Samuel L Jackson and Flip the Script a drama comedy featuring well-known actress Robin Givens to quirky small independent budget films like Police Beat which cast an unusual eye on the US from an immigrant’s perspective and an unusual film under a new banner called hip-hop horror Golddigger Killer showing the underbelly of the culture. The US strand includes not just feature films but strong documentaries that will challenge such as Bastards of the Party on gang violence set in Los Angeles, providing a critique on a section of the community that is at risk of imploding. We also have the film that everyone is talking about – Diary of a Tired Black Man. First-time filmmaker Tim Alexander, who enjoys being provocative, says there's a disease out there that he calls the "angry black woman syndrome" that must be identified, diagnosed and treated. Is this film the response to films like Diary of Mad Black Woman?
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This year the festival has attracted a huge interest from US directors keen to promote their films to UK audiences which will be premiered exclusively at the festival. Sheila Marie Norman Reunion, Frank B Goodin II, Love Trap, Parrish Smith, Programas, Tiayoka McMillan Flip the Script, Miles Maker, Lark and Cher, and Mona Ibrahim from the US based Hip-Hop Association are just some of the directors and writers who will be attending question and answer sessions following screenings.
Flip the Script Dir: Terrah Bennett Smith, USA, 2005, 86mins This romantic comedy tells the charming story of six college friends in their 30s brought back to Los Angeles for the untimely death of a mutual friend. Forced with having to plan a funeral together, the friends use the occasion to reacquaint themselves with each other which results in the re-surfacing of old feelings and unfinished business. The film explores the heartbreaks and joys of life through friendship and love. Cast includes Miguel A. Nunez Jr. and Robin Givens. 9 Sept, 4.30pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 11 Sept, 8:30pm: ICA Cinema 2 Screening followed by writer/producer Tiayoka McMillan Q&A.
Freedomland Director Joe Roth, USA, 2006, 113mins Explosive thriller stars Academy Award® nominees Samuel L. Jackson (1994, Best Supporting Actor, Pulp Fiction) and Julianne Moore (2002, Best Actress, Far From Heaven) and Golden Globe® winner Edie Falco (The Sopranos). When Brenda Martin (Moore) claims her car was stolen with her son in the backseat, the chilling accusation sparks an intense investigation led by Detective Lorenzo Council (Jackson). The search for the truth leads to riveting action, disturbing revelations, and a shocking ending."...Samuel L. Jackson's Best Work Ever..." – Joel Siegel, Good Morning America "...riveting and sensational..." Larry King,"****!" 9 Sept, 2pm: Cineworld Cinema 7
19 Diary of a Tired Black Man European Premiere Dir: Tim Alexander, USA, 2006, 100mins This film is causing a stir in the US even before it is released. Diary of a Tired Black Man, a movie ostensibly designed as an answer to what many may regard as “brother-bashing, revenge comedies” such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Waiting to Exhale. This is the story about complex relationships between black men and black women. It follows the life and relationships of a successful black man looking for love. He is constantly challenged by the anger of the black women he gets involved with. Watch the movie and join the debate into the reality of black relationships. 9 Sept, 9pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 10 Sept, 6.30pm: ICA Cinema 2 Screenings followed by director Q&A
Love Trap
Winning Lisa Dir: Nikki Young USA, 2005, 50mins He loves you...he loves you not...he breaks your heart...and now he wants you back? Sometimes love is a rollercoaster ride. What would it take to make you ride one more time? Winning Lisa is a romantic comedy about two people trying to find their way back together through spiritual growth, forgiveness and redemption.
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UK Premiere Dir: Frank B Goodin II USA, 2005, 105mins, In Love Trap we meet Richard – a smooth talking law student – hanging out with the guys at a local sports bar. When Angel – a seductive vixen in a red dress – appears from nowhere and smothers him with attention, he’s embarrassed to be in a situation that most guys wish for. Faced with temptation, Richard makes an innocent suggestion that, in an incredible fashion, wrecks his life. Insightful tale that questions the true nature of love. 9 Sept, 6:30pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 10 Sept, 4pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 Screening followed by director Q&A.
20 US
Lark & Cher Dir: Miles Maker, USA, 2006, 20mins (Supporting Short) Lark & Cher confronts inter-related issues of sexuality and religion when secret lovers risk an intimate moment with dire consequences! Lark is trapped between her family's religious beliefs and her romantic relationship with Cher. When fate forces Lark's hand, will she make a choice, or will someone choose for her? Lark & Cher features compelling performances, high drama and a shocking conclusion. 10 Sept, 4.30pm: ICA Cinema 2 Screening followed by director Q&A.
The Adventures of Supern*gger (Supporting Short)
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Dir: Alrick Brown, USA, 2005, 15mins The Adventures of Supern*gger: Episode I, The Final Chapter is a fantastic tale of a superhero who comes face to face with his arch-nemesis‌ who will prevail? The story is a satire on the state of police brutality. 10 Sept, 8.30pm: ICA Cinema 1 12 Sept, 6.15pm: ICA Cinema 2
Bastards of the Party Dir: Cle Sloan, USA, 2005, 95mins Bastards of the Party traces the rise of the notorious Bloods and Crips gangs in Los Angeles. While serving a jail term on a murder rap, Sloan, a member of the Athens Park division of the Bloods, began exploring the history of the Southern California street gangs – the Bloods and the Crips. The documentary examines five decades of gang violence in Southern California between the notorious Los Angeles street gangs the Crips and the Bloods, the so-called bastard children of the radical 60s Black Panther Party. The film reveals the staggering dance of death between police and blacks that would come to haunt future generations.
21 Police Beat
Release (Supporting Short)
Dir: Robinson Devor, USA, 2005 , 80mins English and Wolof (Subtitles) Crime drama attempts to chart the emotional state of a Seattle cop from Senegal as he responds to crimes around the city and obsesses about his girlfriend, who may or may not be sleeping with another man. An unusual portrait of an immigrant new to the United States.
Dir: Nadine Patterson, UK/USA 2006, 13mins Mira received an opportunity to work in America and leave behind her husband and daughter in the UK. Can the family survive this separation? 9 Sept, 4pm: Tricycle Cinema
Golddigger Killer hottest poets seen on HBO Def Poetry and comics seen on BET. Awarded Best Feature at the H2O Hip Hop Film Festival and Best horror at the Miami Underground Film Festival. (Scenes of violence & strong language) 13 Sept, 8:30pm: ICA Cinema 2
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European Premiere Dir: Jeff Carroll, USA, 2006, 74mins Award-winning horror story that reveals the not-so glamorous side of “Playas” and “Golddiggers” mentality and how they interact. A rape victim seeks to rid the world of misogyny. Set in the flashy world of hip-hop and poetry with cameos by some of the
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FA I T H
F
ilms like The Passion of the Christ (2004) and The Da Vinci Code (2006) brought box office successes and a renewed interest in faith films in recent years. This revival has brought not only secular but new main steam audiences to faith based films many of which has sought to question and tackle wider societal issues. The exciting range of films we have selected offers all of these. Our opener Madea’s Family Reunion, staring Tyler Perry is very much from this stable, to church focused films like Preaching to the Choir and The Gospel provides a common platform of stories of redemption and forgiveness. Musical performances from renowned gospel and music artist guarantees not only great drama but brilliant musical scores from well known performers such as Yolande Adams, Fred Hammond and Patti Le Belle.
Reunion Dir: Sheila Marie Norman/Prod: Jerry Norman III 2005, USA, 109mins A dying woman Dominique (Carolyn Owens) begrudgingly attends her family reunion, which is plagued with internal family rivalries including a longstanding antagonism between her and her younger sister Ce Ce (Trisha Mann). A story of forgiveness and healing. 10 Sept, 2pm: ICA Cinema 1 Screening followed by director Q&A.
Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Preaching to the Choir Dir: Charles Randolph Wright, USA, 2005, 103mins Estranged since the death of their parents years ago, twin brothers, Teshawn and Wesley Tucker, have taken radically different paths in life. Wesley has become a minister in a Harlem gospel church while Teshawn perpetrates the gangster lifestyle as hip-hop star Zulu. Teshawn and Wes must confront their own demons and attempt to work out their differences. Through the intersection of gospel and hip-hop, the sacred and the secular weaves a story of unconditional love and redemption. Starring Tim Reid, Patti LaBelle & Eartha Kitt. 10 Sept, 4pm: Tricycle Cinema Screening followed by associate producer Roger Bobb Q&A.
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Dir: Darren Grant, 116 mins, USA 2005 Helen McCarthy has everything a woman wants: a nice house and rich husband. However after her husband Charles throws her out of the house after admitting to an affair a distraught Helen turns to her mother, grandmother Madea and cousin Brian who take her in and turn back to God. Helen learns for the first time in her life to stand up on her two feet and is ready to remove herself from her relationship with Charles and move on with Orlando. But when her husband is almost killed by a vengeful client, Helen wonders if she has the heart to forgive him despite everything. 10 Sept, 2pm: Tricycle Cinema
L AT I N
T
he 8th bfm International Film Festival in collaboration with both Something from Brasil’s 2nd UK Brasilian Film Festival and the US based HipHop Association pay homage to Afro-Brazilian Cinema and to showcase the influence and impact of hip-hop on Latin American societies. Brazil has the largest population of African descent out of the continent of Africa and certainly the richest body of cinematic work concerning the black experience in Latin America. Internationally-renowned filmmakers such as Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Carlos Diegues, Glauber Rocha, Paulo Cezar Saraceni, Zozimo Bulbul and Joel Zito Araujo, have immortalized the rich human experience of one of the most vibrant groups in the New World. Zeze Mota, Grande Otelo, Milton Gonçalves, Zozimo Bulbul, Mauricio Gonçalves and many other powerful Afro-Brazilian actors and actresses have contributed in front of the camera to the personification of many of the characters that made history in Brazilian cinema. bfm and The 2nd UK Brasilian Film Festival will showcase a startling look at the racial situation of black Brazilians from diverse walks of life – musicians,
25 politicians, activists, social workers, actors, street kids, etc…- in contemporary Brazil. It addresses political, economic, social and cultural issues. Films that have contributed to a new analysis of the black experience in Brasil and escapes the stereotypes generally associated with the country. City of Women directed by Lazaro Faria and Programas directed by Parrish Smith are two Brazilian films that the 8th bfm International Film Festival will screen at Cineworld as part of the festival’s Latin night screenings on 11th September. A special question and answer session with the Parrish Smith the director of Programas will follow the screening. In association with the Hip-Hop Association, bfm also provides a rare and insightful documentary short programme on Latin hip-hop. Estilo Hip-Hop, Inventos: Hip-Hop Cubano Contemporary Cuba and Resistencia focuses on the influence of hip-hop in Latin countries against a backdrop of racism, corrupt governments, poverty in Brasil, Chile Mexico and oppressive social conditions in Cuba and war torn Columbia.
Dir: Lazaro Faria, Brazil, 2005, 72mins A Cidade das Mulheres presents an intimate view of Mãe Stella de Oxossi, one the most influential figures in African religious traditions in Bahia. She leads the Axé Opó Afonjá Candomblé community, which was founded in 1910. In the film, Mãe Stella explains the history of Candomblé in Bahia as well as the matriarchal system of power created and controlled by the women who practice these traditions. The film also pays tribute to Ruth Landes, the author of the book The City of Women published in 1947. 11 Sept, 6pm: Cineworld Cinema 7
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City of Women (A Cidade das Mulheres)**
26 L AT I N
Male Groupie
Resistencia: Hip-Hop in Colombia*
Dir: Christopher Scott Cherot, USA, 2004 20 mins What happens when you’re living the life...but it belongs to your best friend? The Male Groupie tells the tale of two childhood friends who, seemingly on the same path to success, are steadily drifting apart.
Dir: Tom Feiling UK, 2002, 51mins Resistencia offers a rare look at the hip-hop street subculture in civil war-torn Colombia, while at the same time exploring how traditional Latino music is being infiltrated by rap. The film explores how young Colombians feel about the crisis afflicting their country and the impact it has on their lives. These youths turn to rap as a way to express their points of view on the long-running violence, cultural crisis and the global cocaine trade. It shows how hip-hop culture has a major impact far from the "bling bling" of the U.S. music industry. 11 Sept, 8.30pm: ICA Cinema 1
Inventos: Hip-Hop Cubano* Dir: Eli-Jacobs Fantauzzi Cuba/USA, 2003, 50mins Cuban hip-hop provides a unique insight into contemporary Cuba. Inventos follows some of the pioneers of this musical movement to their homes, the stage and as they travel abroad for the first time. Just as Hip-Hop in the U.S. began as a form of creative self-expression bringing awareness to oppressive social conditions, Cuban hip-hop demonstrates the indestructible spirit born from a people suppressed by the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Both cultures reflect similar social struggles and shows, if brought together, can build a collective community dedicated to spreading messages of truth and empowerment globally.
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Programas** European Premiere Dir: Parrish Smith, Brazil, 2006, 80mins Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most travelled destinations, partly due to it’s country’s exotic women, and greatly due to the ‘garota de programa’ or in short ‘programa’. Programas exposes the prostitution and sexual tourism on beaches of Copacabana, within the landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. Driven by poverty and sheer opportunity, the cameras follow five programas as they vividly explain their worth and graphically reveal their remarkable lifestyles. Award winner of the Indie Black Film Festival. 11 Sept, 7.30pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 Screening followed by director Q&A.
28 AFRICA
T
his year we have an African strand which brings the spotlight on South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal, The Congo, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and the rest of the African continent.
Hop from Senegal and Halsi Halsi that takes a look at the rising popularity of hip-hop in Tanzania, to historical documentaries on slavery such as A Black Scholar Investigate Colonialism by Ralph Bunche.
We have a full length feature film The Widow from Nigerian film director Kingsley Ogoro & Aquila Njamah that is a griping expose on the harsh treatment of widows in Nigerian society and the devastating impact that taboos and traditions can cause.
We feature two different films that take a look at the political, historical and social impact on Sierra Leone. Lions Mountain explores colonialism past and present and Bling: Consequences and Repercussion a short but fascinating film takes a look at the issue of conflict diamonds in areas like Sierra Leone and how hip-hop drives the trade with devastating impact.
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The Mamstotsi Bird is short supporting film from South African director, Jo Horn, which tells the story of a troubled woman in a loveless relationship. We also have a selection of documentaries featuring global African hip-hop such as United Nations of Hip
bfm special Africa night screenings are on Tuesday 12th September at the ICA, The Mall and Cineworld, Shaftsbury Avenue.
United Nations of Hip-Hop*
Bling: Consequences and Repercussions*
Dir: Christina Choe, USA, 2005, 9mins A short documentary about hip-hop and globalization in Senegal, West Africa. In the film, emcees talk about African debt dependency, Islam, unemployment, and poverty over powerful beats. Interviews with the Senegalese hip-hop community is accompanied by stunning footage of Tupac murals, mosques, and barefooted b-boys. This film is a work in progress seeking additional funding to complete production in Cuba and The Middle East. 12 Sept, 6.30pm: ICA Cinema 112 Sept, 6.30pm: ICA Cinema 1
Dir: Kareem Edouard USA, 2005, 11mins Bling: Consequences and Repercussions tackle the issues behind hip-hop’s obsession with diamonds and the continued illegal diamond trade in Africa. Kanye West’s music video, Diamonds from Sierra Leone, introduced the topic of conflict diamonds to the urban communities. Bling looks to further educate the hiphop generation about the murder and carnage caused by the world’s greed for diamonds.
29 Slave Reparations: The Final Passage
Dir: William Greaves, USA, 2004, 26mins Studying and recording his observations on the impact of colonialism on indigenous societies and cultures, Dr. Ralph J. Bunche traveled throughout Africa and around the world. Rare archival footage along with Dr. Bunche’s scholarly analysis gives an insight into the roots of many of today's current events. Interviews with John Henrick Clarke, amongst others. Narrated by Sidney Poitier.
Dir: John Eiser, USA, 2004, 28mins Slave Reparations: The Final Passage documentary provides a historical background on the current controversial movement and answers the most often voiced arguments against the payment of reparations to African-Americans through interviews with some of the movement’s most prominent proponents, including Prof. Manning Marable, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Rev. Herbert Daughtry, Richard E. Barber, and others. 12 Sept, 6.30pm: Cinema 1
Docta Know*
Hali Halisi*
Dir: Owen Kohl, Ozren Milat, USA, 2005, 10mins Over the past decade, hip-hop culture has boomed in Senegal. Docta is one of the few artists that have made a name for himself as both a rapper and as a graffiti artist. Docta reflects on the importance of hip-hop to Dakar's youth and discusses its relationship with Islam. The film features a tour of Dakar’s most well-known graffiti murals as well as street scenes from the city.
Dir: Martin Meulenberg,The Netherlands/Tanzania, 1999, 30mins Hali Halisi (a Swahili expression meaning "the real situation") portrays rap as an alternative medium in Tanzania. Rappers and experts give their views on the hip-hop scenes and their thoughts on the importance of rap as a medium for communication and an instrument of change. The film features MC’s including Mr II (Sugu), Deplowmatz, Gangwe Mobb, GWM, X Plastaz and Bantu Pound. Lang: Swahili with English subtitles
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A Black Scholar Investigates Colonialism: Ralph Bunche
30 AFRICA
Lion Mountains: A Journey through Sierra Leone’s History
The Origin of Aids
Dir: Louis Buckley, UK, 2006, 54mins This documentary is about a journey through Sierra Leone, West Africa, seen through the eyes of the filmmaker. The film looks at pre-colonial Sierra Leone, the beginning of European and African trade, the difference between African and European slavery and some of the effect of Western imperialism and colonial rule. 12 Sept, 8.45pm: ICA Cinema 2 Screening followed by director Q&A.
Dir: Peter Chappell & Catherine Peix, Canada/ France, 2003, 90mins The Origin of Aids explores a controversial theory about the beginnings of the disease. In the 1950s, American and Belgian missionaries in the Belgian colonies of the Congo widely distributed polio vaccine to children in a bid to wipe out the crippling disease; however, evidence now suggests that Hilary Koprowski's oral vaccine may have been tainted, and that the first instances of the disease may be linked to these inoculations. Using interviews, newsreel footage, and documented research experiments, the film examines what could have led to one of the most serious pandemics of the 20th century. 12 Sept, 5pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 Some Subtitles
The Mamtsotsi Bird (Supporting Short)
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The Widow Dir: Kingsley Ogoro & Aquila Njamah, Nigeria, 2006, 90mins Nollywood film reveals a gripping expose on the harsh treatment of widows in Nigeria. Nina, played with conviction by Stella Damasus, leads a blissful and comfortable life in Nigeria with her loving family until her husband dies under tragic circumstances. Facing life as a widow, she suffers indignation from family and friends and is treated as a cast off. Nina is forced into making tough life-changing decisions to secure her family and to protect herself that takes her along a remarkable path. A revealing journey through one woman’s life under extreme conditions, the film makes a startling study on the way widowed women are treated in Nigeria.
Dir: Jo Horn, South Africa, 2006, 12mins Musa, a troubled woman living in a loveless relationship can feel something evil drawing closer. Her estranged husband Sipho tries to convince her that it’s all in her mind. 12 Sept, 7pm: Cineworld Cinema 7
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CARIBBEAN
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his year we have a selection of five films within our Caribbean strand which features a range of music and factual documentaries dealing with the African Caribbean Diasporas in Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti and the UK. Jamaica’s Queen of Sound, provides a fascinating insight to female dance hall singers from Marcia Griffiths to Lady G. Coping with Babylon is a documentary which includes some of Jamaica’s legendary Reggae greats such as Freddie Mc Gregor, Luciano and Mutabaruka.
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Haiti the Sleeping Giant features Haiti’s past and Sequins, Soca and Sweat is by the up and coming UK
filmmaker, Stephen Rudder, which looks at London’s Notting Hill carnival. Renowned filmmaker Horace Ove’s brings an example of his past work and provides us with his current offering within our festival programme this year. Ove’s classic Pressure (1975) and his latest film Dream to Change the World (2006) will both be a treat for our audiences. bfm Caribbean night screenings are on Wednesday 13 September at the ICA, The Mall and Cineworld Shaftsbury Avenue, central London. Tickets can be purchased in advance, online or at the box office.
Queens of Sound– A Herstory of Reggae and Dancehall
Sequins, Soca and Sweat
Dir: Sandra Krampelhuber Jamaica/Austria, 2006, 74mins Queens of Sound– A Herstory of Reggae and Dancehall explores the long neglected female side of Reggae and Dancehall music in Jamaica. Three generations of women in the Jamaican music business tell us about their roles and struggle for acceptance in a maledominated business. Interviews and performances from world-famous musicians including Marcia Griffiths, Tanya Stephens, Sasha, Cecile, Chevelle Franklyn, Queen Ifrica, Macka Diamond and Lady G to reveal the social, economic, religious, textual and individual aspects of Reggae and Dancehall culture from a female point of view. 10 Sept, 2pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 13 Sept, 6.30pm: ICA Cinema 2
Dir: Stephen Rudder, UK, 2006, 50mins Sequins, Soca and Sweat is the filmmakers debut documentary exploration into contrasts; traditional Masquerade costume techniques versus modern materials, striking costumes steeped in culture versus the decorated bikini costumes. The sparkle colour and music are the end result of hard work, personal sacrifice and dedication. Although finances are always tight, the richness of colour and generosity of spirit is always present. The film follows six 'Mas' camps in the weeks leading up to Notting Hill carnival and captures the unique atmosphere of ‘camp life’.
33 Haiti Sleeping Giant
Dream to Change the World
Dir: Love Joel Aryeetey USA/Haiti/Ghana/UK, 2006, 61mins This documentary charts the contribution of Haiti which is largely ignored by the world. On 1 January 1804, Haiti became the second nation in the new world to establish an independent government. In 1787, the French revolution rocked France. The framers of the French constitution drafted the declaration of the rights of man and citizen and listed the inalienable rights of the individual. The right to liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression and the rights to freedom of speech were guaranteed. When the Haitian slaves started demanding their rights promised in the French revolution it was denied. This led to the Africans to revolt, resulting in the first black republic. 13 Sept, 6.30pm: ICA Cinema 1
Dir: Horace Ove, UK, 2006, 75mins Draws on the multicultural history of Trinidad and its Diaspora to tell the story of John La Rose, Labour activist, publisher, and poet. Through music and the arts of carnival, steel pan and calypso La Rose leads the viewer through the intrinsic links between the arts and social transformation. 13 Sept, 6pm: Cineworld Cinema 7
Dir: Oliver Hill, Jamaica/USA, 2005, 80mins Coping with Babylon looks at the spiritual and ideological beliefs behind Rastafarianism's stereotypical dope-dreads-reggae image. This fascinating documentary lets scholars, musicians, converts, schoolmasters and others explain the religion's basic principles, emphasising in turn the teachings of the Bible, Marcus Garvey, and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. From Jamaica to New York, through interviews, at concerts and rituals, the film highlights the participants’ ideals of liberation and peace while they denounce President Bush, Iraq, and globalization. Features Ascento Fox, Barry Chevannes, Prince Emanuel, Mutabaruka, Half Pint, Luciano, Morgan Heritage, Freddie McGregor. 13 Sept, 7.30pm: Cineworld Cinema 7
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Coping With Babylon
U K TA L E N T: T I M E O U T – L O N D O N O N S C R E E N
I
t's not unusual to see London on the big screen. The streets, buildings and monuments of our city appear regularly in films from around the world, from big-budget Hollywood movies seeking a European interlude to Bollywood films looking for a dose of European 'exoticism'. But it's much rarer to see a film in which a filmmaker, British or otherwise, has fully embraced London as a theme, as a subject, as a city ripe for serious cinematic investigation and not just as a useful backdrop, a pretty skyline or a convenient location. It's these films that Time Out's London on Screen season celebrates, from Mike Leigh's dystopian vision of the metropolis in Naked to Patrick Keiller's docu-poem to the city, London. Time Out's team of critics have picked a critical selection of films that together represent the very best of filmmaking in London from across the decades. There's John Mackenzie's zeitgeist-embracing crime thriller The Long Good Friday. There's Derek Jarman's lyrical, terrifying vision of a society gone wrong, The Last of England. There's Bruce Robinson's hilarious, devastating Withnail and I. And there's Humphrey Jennings’ stirring and intelligent wartime docu-drama, Fires Were Started. The list of filmmakers is a roll-call of exceptional talent: Horace Ové, Ken Loach, Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Powell, Stephen Frears, Neil Jordan, Roman Polanski and many more. Each of these auteurs has delivered a vision of London that, like the city itself, is unique. We're proud to remember their work and, at the same time, look forward to the next generation of our city's chroniclers.
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bfm’s partnership with Time Out – London On Screen supports part of its wider mission to promote UK black film talent. This year is no exception as we showcase UK talent past and present. From, Isaac Julian’s Young Soul Rebels, Horace Ove’s Classic film Pressure and his latest documentary Dream to Change the World to up and coming UK directors with their first feature films like Rag Tag a controversial film from UK director Adaora Nwandu, which deals with relationships and Stephen Lloyd Jackson’s drama Rulers and Dealers about corruption, betrayal and greed. Our closing film at Cineworld Cinema features the much awaited UK film set in London Life and Lyrics featuring the UK’s Ashley Walters. Finally bfm’s prestigious Short Awards is the festival’s closing night event which gives our audiences an opportunity to view the best of emerging black UK filmmakers. Overall there is a lot of talent in the UK from directors, actors, and writers so sit back and enjoy.
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Dave Calhoun, Film Editor, Time Out
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U K TA L E N T Rag Tag
Young Soul Rebels
London Premiere Dir: Adaora Nwandu, UK/Nigeria, 2006, 100mins Despite their radically different backgrounds, young black British boys Rag and Tag share a close bond. Separated through circumstance, they reunite years later as young men to discover that their onceinnocent desires have definitively shifted into an urgent need to be together. A trip to Tag’s native Nigeria liberates them. After returning to London, the couple must reconcile their new found love with pressures from those around them. Propelled by a fantastic hip-hop score, an intricate, lyrical film about love and friendship set against a cultural backdrop that has never before been seen. 10 Sept, 8.30pm: ICA Cinema 2 14 Sept, 5pm: Cineworld Cinema 7 Screening followed by director Q&A
Dir: Issac Julien, UK, 1991, 105mins Winner of Cannes best feature 1991. Stars actress Sophie Okenedo (Aeon Flux, 2005) (Hotel Rwanda, 2004), Eamonn Walker (ER, Othello, 2001). The year is 1977, the place is London, the time of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, and soul music is at last finding wider visibility in the British capital. Late at night in a park, gay men cruise, looking for partners, and one of them is stabbed to death. His killer does not realize that the victim was carrying a cassette recorder, and that the sounds of the death have been captured on tape.
37 Pressure
The Idea (Supporting Short)
Dir: Horace Ove, UK, 1975, 125mins Known as the first British feature by a black filmmaker, and made as events like the Notting Hill Carnival edged closer to violence, ‘Pressure’ remained unseen for several years after its completion. Documenting school-leaver Tony’s (Herbert Norville) experience of racism and his gradual politicisation – from a ‘fish and chips man’ to a ‘pattie man’, in one memorable formulation – its realist mode includes extensive location work around Ladbroke Grove. B&W 14 Sept, 6.15pm: ICA Cinema 2
Dir: Owen Alik Shahadah, UK, 2006, 10mins From the filmmaker of 500 Years Later comes a comical satire of modern society and our inability to listen. A study of contemporary society’s insensitivity towards the expression of new ideas. 14 Sept, 8.45pm: ICA Cinema 1
Dir: Paul Akintunde, UK, 2006, 9mins Superhero, Natty, combats bigotry and racism wherever they rear their evilness, and is thus great for all good people. This is the story of how the myth came to be... 14 Sept, 8.30pm: ICA Cinema 2
Dir: Stephen Lloyd Jackson, UK, 2006, 93mins This is a powerful drama about corruption, betrayal and greed. Set against a backdrop of urban gangsters and political corruption in the inner city streets of London. A crooked politician battles it out with a ‘Yardie’ underworld enforcer in a web of drugs, sex and violence where everyone wants to be a Ruler. Thrilling and, visually dark, the film draws inspiration from such great films as The Godfather, Marathon Man and China Town. Screening followed by director Q&A.
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Natty on the Run (Supporting Film)
Rulers and Dealers
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U K TA L E N T – C L O S I N G F I L M
Life & Lyrics
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London Premiere Dir: Richard Laxton, UK, 2006, 99mins The Motion Crew are a group of south London rappers led by DJ Danny ‘D-Biz’ Lewis (Ashley Walters). For Danny, his music is everything and his crew are like family. But loyalties are put to the test when Danny falls for the beautiful Carmen, whom he soon finds out is related to a member of their most hated rivals, the violent and arrogant Hard Cash Crew. Both crews seem certain to face each other in the rap battle finals of the prestigious Mic Masters competition, a thrilling event that will offer a final chance for Danny to beat his rivals and make it big. But his relationship with Carmen has set off a devastating chain of events that will ultimately decide the fate of everyone involved. Life & Lyrics is an exhilarating story of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of London’s vibrant urban music scene 14 Sept, 7.30pm: Cineworld Cinema 7, Closing Night Film Screening followed by Ashley Walters Q&A (tbc).
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We are pleased to support the Festival again and to work with bfm to promote black film to the widest possible audience and in general.” Sally Caplan (Head of Premiere Fund – UK Film Council)
Ashley Walters Ashley started acting from an early age and has appeared in many TV and stage projects over the years. In 1998, Ashley received critical acclaim playing the lead role in the BBC made-for television film Storm Damage, also starring Adrian Lester, while 2002 saw Ashley on stage at the National Theatre in Paul Miller’s Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads. In 2004, Ashley received a BIFA Award for Best Newcomer for his lead performance in Saul Dibb’s Bullet Boy. Since this accolade, Ashley has appeared in 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’, MTV’s drama series, Top Buzzer, Stormbreaker and will soon be seen in Waz and SugarHouse Lane out next year. On the music front, Ashley is better known as Asher D, a member of the 30-strong south London-based collective So Solid Crew who stormed the charts with UK garage and hip-hop anthems such as Oh No (Sentimental Things) (1999) and 21 Seconds (2001). Ashley wrote and featured on six tracks on So Solid’s double-platinum debut LP They Don’t Know which was hailed as one of the most visionary albums of the past 10 years. He continues to make music and will be releasing his mixtape Cure for Cancer and album In Memory of a Street fighter on his own label AD82 Productions in September 2006.
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“One of the reasons we were drawn to Life & Lyrics is we felt that it was one of the few black films that is aimed squarely at a mainstream audience. We've had some great films specialised black films, but we applauded Life & Lyrics’ more commercial feel, which was endorsed to a degree by the fact that Universal picked up UK distribution rights. Whilst it tackles gritty issues and problems affecting young people today, Life & Lyrics is at heart a love story with a music side to it that heightens its potential commerciality. Whilst it is laudable that a number of recent black movies have superbly portrayed the grittier sides of life, we think it important that black films are seen by as wide an audience as possible and are capable of wider releases than we usually see. We are very proud of Life & Lyrics. The excellent script has been superbly realised by all involved and there are some outstanding performances from Ashley of course, but also by the rest of the cast, many of whom are new to the big screen.
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U K TA L E N T: P R O F I L E
cultures. “I wanted to tell a story that honestly reflected the life around me and the people I saw everyday. But I wanted to do it through the eyes of people who weren't necessarily what they appeared to be”, she says. “Rag and Tag are Yin and Yang. They formed a connection when they were young, and grew up firmly entrenched in each other's psyche. Their connection doesn't 'do' boundaries.” Once the script was finished, the next huge challenge was always going to be casting. Would she be able to find two male black actors who would not only be able to handle
Adaora Nwandu By Rachel Ezekwugo
her material sensitively, but also inject the sexual tension and repression that defined part of their relationship? “I wanted to challenge assumptions of the type of men in
With her fierce independent filmmaking spirit, writer,
relationships with other men”, she says. “I also wanted it
director and producer Adaora Nwandu represents a new
clear from the start that Rag and Tag were very different
breed of black filmmakers who is ready and willing to take
from each other. Although they both fit the same racial
risks and explore sensitive subject matter. In Adaora’s
profile of 'young black male' they look and sound worlds
case, the Oxford graduate has succeeded in making a
apart.” She held auditions in London with many young
beautiful and delicate coming of age film about two black
black actors excited by the story. “But as soon as I
men struggling with their love of each other. The raw
mentioned the physical intimacy, they'd step back with a
emotional content might have been too much for some to
horrified 'You mean I gottakissaman?'”
take on as a first project but Adaora found it to be exactly what she wanted to do. “It was a story I was compelled
However she did find her lead cast in newcomers
to tell and I knew I wouldn't stop until the film was made.”
Danny Parsons and Damola Adelaja. Their performance has astounded many and is testament to the trust and
Filmed in both the UK and Nigeria, and the culmination
belief these actors had in their director and writer. They
of over three years of hard work and tears, Adaora found
have both been able to embrace and inject a sense of
herself pushed to the limit in making her debut feature film
vulnerability never seen before between two black male
Rag Tag. Despite her fears, she proved up to the challenge
characters.
junket. She made the industry stand up and take notice,
On the surface, Rag Tag depicts a fascinating love story
a feat not to be taken lightly for a newcomer. Even her
between two childhood friends; on another level, the
Nigerian film crew were excited to be working on such
same theme is a stunning metaphor for the hypocrisy and
a project. “The Nigerian film industry is the 3rd largest
failure of the Black and African community in engaging
in the world so I knew they had worked on many films,
in measured discussions about black sexuality when
but never love stories between two men,” she says. “As
it comes to loving, same gender relationships. Adaora
things turned out, I needn't have worried. Everyone was
Nwandu has made a film that requires deeper thinking
respectful and welcomed the opportunity to do something
than your average slush. It shows much courage on her
that wasn’t just about witch doctors and mothers-in-law”
part as a bold and talented filmmaker willing to tackle sensitive and controversial issues. And she makes no
Adaora grew up both in Nigeria and the UK and like others in her generation retained the strong influence of both
apologies for her choices.
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and has garnered praise on the international film festival
BABYLON A European Film Development Initiative Europe is a continent of ethnic and cultural pluralism, but filmmakers of Europe’s varied minorities rarely have the chance to communicate across national boundaries. bfm is one of 8 European organisations that are partners to BABYLON a new European film development initiative launched on Sunday 6th August in Switzerland. It is a new audiovisual programme designed to fill this gap in provision, a European space in which minority filmmakers can speak to each other and to the widest international audience, providing access and inclusion. Through a discovery of shared experience BABYLON celebrates Europe’s cultural diversity, a motor for European integration, an affirmation of solidarity between filmmakers across the Continent. Project development, network building, co-production and distribution will feature in a rolling programme of initiatives which UK black filmmakers can access. A presentation of this new initiative will take place during 8th bfm International Film Festival . To find out more visit ww.scenariofilms.com. Scenario Films, London/Ciné-Sud Promotion, Paris
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SHORT FILM AWARDS
b
fm’s annual Short Film Awards night brings the 8th bfm International Film Festival to a close for another year. View the dynamic work of emerging black UK filmmakers. This is an exciting night of industry interaction where industry professionals judge the films in four categories and the audience casts their vote for the best bfm short film of 2006. This year’s selection tackles a range of issues that reflect contemporary life from domestic violence & relationships to gun crime, traditions and taboos. From thought provoking to light comedy the evening will keep you entertained and on the edge of your seats!
Confetti Dir: Shiloh Harmitt, UK, 2006, 7mins Deals with relationships and reveals that things are not always what they seem.
One Day at a Time Dir: Lawrence Coke, UK, 2005, 14mins, Silent Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but life goes on…one day at a time.
The Trousseau 8th bfm International Film Festival Short Film Awards Prince Charles cinema Leicester Place Friday 15 September 2006, 8pm
Dir: Afia Nkrumah, UK, 2005, 17mins, English /Twi Subtitles The story of a young black British woman, Ama who returns to Ghana to attend her mothers funeral.
Sparkle
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Dir: Christopher Skeene, UK, 2006, 10mins A musical drama about Chris and Serena who are about to celebrate their first anniversary and the consequences of a revelation which may be a bit more than Chris every expected.
45 Sweet Obsession
Awards Categories
Dir: Adrian Browne, UK, 2005, 10mins Arlene is obsessed with the guy at the local record shop. How will she get his attention?
Awards Sponsored by Kodak, Soho Images and Screenwriters Store
Connexions Dir: Daniella Blechner, UK, 2003, 7 mins Connexions celebrates and connects the multi cultural melting pot of cultures, ages statues and races that inhabit the glowing city of London.
Winnie and the Duppy Bat
Best Best Best Best Best
Cinematography Award – Kodak actor - male actor - female screenplay – Screenwriters Store film - audience vote on the night
Judges on the night includes Trix Worrell, TV Producer and writer, responsible for bringing Desmond's, Britain's most successful black sitcom, Victor Romero Evans a well respected actor and singer and other industry peers.
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Dir: Annetta Laufer, UK, 2006, 12mins Winnie and the Duppy Bat is the bitter-sweet comedy of a young girl who, in the guise of her alter-ego Danger Girl, sets out to catch the Duppy Bat – a creature within Jamaican mythology symbolizing the imminent death of someone close – to save her dying mother.
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U K TA L E N T: P R O F I L E My Pilgrim’s Progress: Malachi By Shabazz L. Graham Here’s a question for you, “What is a Question?” It is a quest! The quest for an answer. Life is a question, we all seek answers. My journey and quest as a filmmaker began when I was 11 years old. I’d grown up as a child of the system, a true Neo, brought up in government run children’s homes from the age of 9 months. I was eventually placed into the foster care of an elderly Trinidadian woman, who I owe the life I now have too. It was there I eventually gained a passionate love for comic books. I began collecting everything I could afford. These stories of super powered beings that lived adventurous lives excited me and expanded my imagination. I wanted a life like that. Every time I’d walk my foster mother’s dog, I’d become my own superhero and go on different adventures, different quests.
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My future was set; I would become someone who wields the power to bring these imaginations alive. I’d become a creature of creativity, a developer of concept, a storyteller (of sorts), a maker of films. Armed with an ability to visualise image on paper, a growing faith in MY Creator, (which strengthened my confidence in the creativity He’d given me) and the pleasure of youth, I set out to conquer my dreams. I began drawing and writing my own comic and film concepts. This led to me publishing an independent comic book called Warfare with a friend of mine called Richard Thomas. In 1999, after leaving the care system (many thanks Morpheus) I was given the opportunity to return as a care facilitator on a film documentary project “to be a positive black role model for other young men about to leave the care system”. This project set me off as a live action filmmaker, receiving training from a BBC producer who gave me the key to open the doors to my future as a cameraman. Since then, subsequent production work has honed my skills to produce, edit, direct and write.
Malachi is an idea I began developing many years ago, its a moving story about a gifted mixed race boy who goes about trying to film a documentary with his personal digital camera about his separated mum and dad, in order to capture the love that he believes stills exists between them both. It is a race against time as he is battling with the serious illness, Sickle Cell Anaemia. Whilst passionately going about filming his intended “Oscar winning” piece he manages to record mysterious extraterrestrial footage of what he says is the face of God. The concept and script of Malachi was recently granted a Millennium Award and given the support of the BBC and Skillset (The Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries). With their assistance a three minute trailer was produced and distributed throughout the film and television industry, with the aim to gain interest for the project. You can see this trailer at www.heartvision. co.uk. The story of Malachi will bring to light the challenges faced by mixed families and the individuals who live with Sickle Cell Anaemia amongst many other things. It is my ambition to develop this powerful story into a feature film and so I am looking for investors who will be willing to support this story.
For more information please email shabazz@shabazzgraham.com or visit www.shabazzgraham.com.
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6 October – 8 October 2006
AMC Theatres UK Ltd, Broadway Plaza, 220 Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham B16 8LP www.amccinemas.co.uk Booking line 0870 755 5657 Tickets £5/£3.50 bfm members & cons Group of 10 people: ticket £3.50 each Special bfm Festival Pass for AMC screenings
LIGHT HOUSE, The Chubb Buildings Fryer St Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT www.light-house.co.uk Booking line: 0871 200 2000 Tickets: £4.90/ £3.70 bfm members & cons Group of 10 people: ticket £3.70 each Special bfm Festival Pass for Light House screenings
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B UI NT AE R S T SREI M
Dream to Change the World By Milverton Wallace This is a biopic of the man described by the poet Linton Kwesi Johnson as “the most remarkable human being I have ever known”. John Anthony La Rose, who died in London in February, aged 78, was poet, essayist, publisher, filmmaker, trade unionist, cultural and political activist. Dream to Change the World, a thought-provoking, record of part of John’s life and of his ideas on culture and politics, deals mostly, but not exclusively, with his time here in the UK.
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John arrived in London in the autumn of 1961 from Venezuela where he had been working as an English teacher. In the following 45 years he became the guiding spirit of Britain’s black community in their struggle for racial equality and social justice. His achievements in that time are extraordinary. With his partner, Sarah White, he opened Britain’s first black bookshop; established New Beacon Books, a publishing house which would inspire the formation of other black and Asian book publishing ventures; co-founded, with the poet Kamau Brathwaite and the writer Andrew Salkey, the Caribbean Artists Movement, a forum for established and aspirant writers and artists to develop new aesthetics, audiences and opportunities for their work here and in the Caribbean; was chairman of the New Cross Massacre Action Committee, the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners in Kenya, the Black Parents Movement and the Institute for Race Relations; co-founded, with publisher and veteran activist Jessica Huntley and others, the International Bookfair of Radical Black and Third World Books; was
founder and chairman of the George Padmore Institute, a library, archive and educational research centre housing materials relating to the life experiences of Caribbean, African and Asian communities in Britain. He played a pioneering role in the development of the Black supplementary education movement in the UK, in which activity, says former educator Winston Best, his “foresight, organising ability and leadership skills contributed significantly to the impact these movements have had on black people’s progress and development in this country”. John was superbly prepared for these labours by his engagement in his native Trinidad in the anti-colonial struggle. As a result of his political activities, the British colonial authorities banned him from most West Indian islands and he was blacklisted at home as a rebel and agitator. Though the heart of the film remains the interview, with John speaking authoritatively and with gentle humour of the long struggle of the Caribbean people to transform themselves and their societies, the Trinidadian filmmaker, Horace Ove, has broadened the canvas to include many aspects of John’s life not otherwise touched on. In 2002/2003, Ove added material on John’s background and childhood in Trinidad, and on his activities in London, and included interviews with a range of John’s colleagues, including David Abdulah and Undine Giuseppi in Trinidad; Brian Alleyne, Gus John, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Michael La Rose, Errol Lloyd, Akua Rugg, Anne Walmsley and Sarah White in England. The interview was originally commissioned by the African and Asian Visual Artists Archive (now the Diversity Arts Forum). The final version of the film we see here was edited by Pete Stern and narrated by Errol Lloyd and Moira Stewart. Additional filming in Trinidad and the UK was done with the support of the Institute of International Visual Arts (inIVA). For more information on the DVD, email newbeaconbooks@btconnect.com Image: Courtesy of Horace Ove. Advertisement: Artwork Courtesy of Pete Stern
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F E AT U R E What is a Hip-Horror Film? By Jeff Carroll
Nightmare on Elm Street which was a Horror movie that had a lot of comedy in it.
You’ve probably never heard of this type of movie before and that is because I made it up to promote my film Holla If I Kill You and Golddigger Killer. Since, then I have had to explain my description Hip-Hop Horror to everybody. I got a lot of attention and that’s just what I wanted. I thought of a lot of ways to describe my film – Urban Horror, Black Horror, or even a Ghetto Horror. I didn’t want to limit it to a type of environment with ‘Urban’ or an economic region with ‘Ghetto’. Even though my film had a predominately African American cast I didn’t want it to be limited to one race. I thought about hip-hop and it’s multicultural make up. Not only did it fit the cast but, also described the soundtrack and even the behavior of the characters. See a hip-hop film is dominated by one of the following as described by Shameka Gumbs founder of the Atlanta Hip-Hop Film Festival. A hip-hop film must have a main dominating element. The plot can be about a member of the hip-hop community like the film Juice or the culture of hip-hop in Wildstyle. The characters could be the founding members of the hip-hop community e.g. House Party or have a hip-hop soundtrack like Honey. This is only one part of the merger between hip-hop and Horror. Horror films are easier because they go back the beginning of film production. I didn’t think that putting a rapper like Busta Rhymes in Halloween Resurrection or LL Cool J in Halloween H2O made these films hip-hop Horrors. Before I define hiphop Horror let me explain what a Horror film is. There are so many related genres that I asked Eve Blaack (editor of the Hacker’s Source – a magazine that reviews Horrors movies) and Ron Bonk (owner of Sub Rosa Studios) to poll some filmmakers. The filmmakers used descriptions like Slasher, Gore, Monster and Scary used to describe Horror movies. Horror movies include all of the above qualities and characteristics. I would even for the sake of the argument include Thriller, Science-Fiction and Fantasy. Films in general often have more than one of these elements in them. Horrors are the same, take the classic movie
Hip-Hop Horror films are movies that scare and horrify people set in the popular sub-culture of hip-hop. HipHop Horrors are different from movie like I Know What You did last Summer in more ways than just changing the ethnicity of the cast. In a movie about the consequences of youthful behavior the same things can happen but, the characters would react different. When I was young I used to leave movies laughing with friends about how if we were in the movie it would have been totally different. We would have been playing different games, listening to different music and we would have displayed our disrespect for life differently. Look out for hip-hop to contribute to the Horror genre in the way DMX’s films like Romeo Must Die have done to Action movies. The way In to Deep with LL Cool J and Omar Epps did with gangster flicks. Even the way Chris Tucker and Ice Cube did with the comedy genre. Remember the Blakplotation period with movies like Blackula and Blackenstien? Well get ready for the Hip-hopploitation Era.
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SEMINARS Venue: C4, 124 Horseferry Road London SW1P 2TX
After Midnight – Commissioning for Ethnic Audiences
Short Cuts – The Jump from Shorts to Features
On whether black channels are a new platform for showcasing black films and programming. Do they relinquish responsibility from the mainstream broadcasters? Why does ethnic programming tend to be so late at night? Panel including C4 commissioners discuss.
Featuring production schemes from UK Film Council and C4 with the panel advising on the steps from short to feature filmmaking. Followed by speed networking.
12 Sept, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
12 Sept, 4:30pm – 6.30pm This seminar is limited to existing flimmakers only. Submit CV with your request for a place to seminars@bfmmedia.com
V e n u e : I T V, T h e W e s t m i n s t e r S u i t e , I T V L o n d o n Te l e v i s i o n C e n t r e , U p p e r G r o u n d S E 1 9 LT
It Is Good To Talk – Mobile Phone Filmmaking & TV
Game On – Breaking into the Video Games Industry
Ways and means of utilising mobile phones in filmmaking in terms of production and distribution. Panel includes representatives from the mobile phone industry. This time you can leave your phones switched on.
Explores the potential for crossover with films and the huge gaming market. Is this THE new creative industry? Panel includes representatives from the games industry and supported by Skillset. 13 Sept, 4:30pm – 6.30pm
13 Sept, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
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Ve n u e : B B C , C o u n c i l C h a m b e r, B r o a d c a s t i n g H o u s e , Portland Place, London W1A 1AA
Microwave Roadshow – Film London Production Scheme
Design for Life – Art Direction, Set Design and Model Making
Microwave challenges film-makers to shoot a full length feature film for up to £100,000 with cash and in-kind support. The scheme will provide an intensive approach to film-making, with an emphasis on tightly focused scripts, short production schedules and commercial potential. Microwave is open to filmmakers working in documentary, fiction and to artists working with the moving image. Panel will include other media support agencies.
Ever wanted to design the set for Batman or build a ‘Tardis’? Learn about the career opportunities for Art Directors and Production Designers. Run by Fundamental (Architecture Inclusion Project) and supported by the BBC. 14 Sept – 4.30pm to 6.30pm PLACES ARE LIMITED. All seminars are free & refreshments provided. Book now
14 Sept, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
to reserve your place to avoid disappointment. Email seminars@bfmmedia.com before 1 September 2006.
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F E S T I VA L C R E D I T S Patrons Earl Cameron
Best Cinematography Judge Aubey Fagon
Festival Founder Menelik Shabazz
Best Actor Male Judge Victor Romero Evans
Executive Director Priscilla Igwe
Best Actor Female Judge Cathy Tyson
Festival Director Ionie Richards
Website Designer Lee Daley
Festival Co-ordinator Dina Clarke
In Association with‌ FilmFour Kush Films
Festival Programmer Nadia Denton Film Researcher Cassam Looch PR/Hospitality Chanelle Denton Palmer PR Marketing ICR Consultants Events Co-ordinator Monique Baptiste-Brown Advertising & Sponsorship ICR Consultants Seminars Co-ordinator Sam Johnson Short Film Awards Co-ordinator Yvonne Connike Short Film Awards Assistant Diane Ofori
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House Manager Beverley Willie Volunteers Aja Houston Amenah Mbeke Angelina Osborne Carla Bartley Syed Khan Yvonne Bryan Festival Design Concept and Art Direction Danielle Humphrey Best Screenplay Judge Trix Worrell
Funders UK Film Council Film London Skillset Sponsors American Embassy Equity Sony Home Entertainment Tourist Development Company Ltd -Trinidad and Tobago Short Film Awards Sponsors Kodak Screenwriters Store Soho Images In Kind Sponsors Bovince BBC Cobra Beer MoneyGram United by One ITV Shooting People Red Bull Media Partners Choice FM Voice Voice of Africa Radio South African New Nation Host Michael Morgan Nadia Denton Cassam Looch Printers Bovince Pensord Urban Design and Print
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FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER didlee85@hotmail.com 07944 564 805 www.leapers.co.uk
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