Film Events
Please note: The listings for BHM have been ‘retained’ to show new viewers what kinds of activities are common during the Black History Month which covers October to November annually. For regular listings visit: Arts and Entertainment
2012
OCTOBER 2012
Fri 5 Oct 2012
SPARKLE
Musical prodigy, Sparkle (Sparks) struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Houston), she tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era. Cast: Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks, Mike Epps, Cee-Lo Green and Carmen Ejogo. Directed by Salim Akil.
JANUARY 2013
Fri 18 Jan 2013
DJANGO UNCHAINED
Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained stars Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunger Dr. King Schultz (Academy Award-winner Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles – dead or alive. Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men chose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South’s most wanted criminals with Django by his side. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago. Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (Academy Award-nominee DiCaprio), the proprietor of ‘Candyland’, an infamous plantation. Exploring the compound under false pretences, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Academy Award-nominee Jackson), Candy’s trusted house-slave. Their moves are marked, and a treacherous organisation closes in on them. If Django and Schultz are to escape with Broomhilda, they are to choose between independence and solidarity, between sacrifice and survival. Cast: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L Jackson, Christoph Waltz and Kerry Washington. Directed & written by Quentin Tarantino.
2011
Throughout Oct
BHM LIBRARY SCREENINGS
A feature film celebrating Black interest cinema. Venue: Downham Library, 7-9 Moorside Rd, Downham, Bromley BR1 5EP, Forest Hill Library, 82 Dartmouth Rd, Forest Hill, London SE23 3HZ, Manor House Library, 34 Old Rd, London SE13 5SY. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 7794.
Tues 4 & 5 Oct
COMING TO ENGLAND
Floella Benjamin is a major figure in Britain’s television history. Coming to England is a stunning film, charting her journey from Trinidad to Britain in the 1960s. It is an inspiring story of how she adjusted to her new life and surroundings. Includes a discussion. Venue: Rich Mix, 35–47 Bethnal Green Rd, Bethnal Green, E1 6LA.10.30am–12.30pm and 1pm–3pm. Adm: Sch perf only, adv £5 per pupil, £1 per accompanying adult. Info: 0207 613 7498.
Wed 5 Oct – Sat 22 Dec
THE FORGOTTEN GANG
A photo documentary combating the media’s negative representation of African and Caribbean youth. The faces and views of young black people who are not in violent / negative gangs. Photographs by Elaine Bandele. Venue: Bruce Castle Museum, Bruce Castle Museum, Lordship Lane, London N17 8NU. Adm: Free.
Thurs 6 Oct
FOR COLOURED GIRLS
A film directed by Tyler Perry (Cert 15). A poetic exploration of what it is to be of colour and a female in this world. Venue: Wood Green Library, 187-197A High Road, Wood Green, London N22 6XD. 7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 2700.
Sun 9 Oct
FILM: BAMAKO
Melé is a bar singer, her husband Chaka is out of work and the couple are on the verge of breaking up. Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill St, SE15 5JT. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 358 9645.
Mon 10 Oct
BLACK BRITAIN ON SCREEN
Tony Warner with David will present a selection of excerpts from key titles as well as introducing the groundbreaking and ongoing African Odysseys programme at the BFI Southbank. Venue: John Harvard Library, 211 Borough High St, SE1 1JA. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000.
Mon 10 Oct
DEACONS FOR DEFENSE
Screening of a film, which explores a little known, but true aspect of the American civil rights movement. Starring Forest Whittaker and Ossie Davis. Venue: Goldsmiths Students Union, 8 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6NW, 6.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 692 1406.
Mon 10 Oct
MICHAEL JACKSON: A VISUAL DOCUMENTARY
Adrian Grant author of Michael Jackson: A Visual Documentary is renowned for his close affiliation with Jackson and is a pioneer of many Jackson related projects, including the stage musical Thriller. His film offer detaila insider knowledge of Michael. Facts about Michael’s life and death as never before. Venue: Harlesden Library Plus, Craven Park Rd, Harlesden, London NW10 8SE. 7pm – 8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3570.
Tues 11 Oct
BRENT’S REEL HISTORY
To complement the BBC’s ‘Reel History of Britain’ season, join Brent Archives for a screening of ‘These Can Be Yours’, a surprising local film from the archives’ own collections, alongside footage from the British Film Institute, followed by a discussion session. Venue: The Cinema, Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Rd, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 11am-1pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3400.
Tues 11 Oct
TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD
Directed by Robert Mulligan (Cert 12). Atticus Finch is a lawyer in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930s who agrees to defend a young black man accused of raping a white woman. Venue: Alexandra Park, Alexandra Park Rd, Wood Green, London N22 7UJ. 7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 8770.
Thurs 13 Oct
BRAZIL, AN INCONVENIENT HISTORY
Directed by Phil Grabsky (Cert exempt). This film considers the estimated 4 million people with whose blood, sweat and tears Brazil was built. Venue: Marcus Garvey Library, Tottenham Green Centre, 1 Phillip Lane N15 4JA. 7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 5309.
Fri 14 Oct
MOTHERLAND
Screening of ‘Motherland’, plus discussion after screening. Venue: Leytonstone Library, 6 Church Lane Leytonstone E11 1HG. 6pm – 9pm. Adm: £5 at the door. Info: 0208 496 1190.
Sat 15 Oct
THE STORY OF MAGGIE WALKER
In spite of humble beginnings in post-Civil War Richmond, Virginia, Maggie Lena Walker was the first woman in the United States to found a bank. As a leader her successes and vision offered tangible improvements in the way of life women. (Dir: Various Legacy Media Institute (Tim Reid), 2011, USA / 23 min. Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 2pm. Adm: £6.50/£4.50 in advance. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Sat 15 Oct
FILM: WHITE MATERIAL
Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher) gives an extraordinary performance as Maria Vial, the formidable owner of a coffee plantation in a former French African colony. Venue: Dulwich Library, 386 Lordship Lane, SE22 8NB. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000.
Sat 15 Oct
TRACES OF THE TRADE (PG cert.)
In Traces of the Trade, Producer/Director Katrina Browne tells the story of her forefathers, the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. A remarkable journey which brings them face-to-face with the history and legacy of New England’s hidden enterprise. (Dir: Katherina Browne, 2008, USA / 86 min). Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 2pm. Adm: £6.50/£4.50 in advance. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Sat 15 Oct
ANCESTRAL WANDERINGS
A series of four of Jamaican born artist Fowokan’s wanderings or word resonance as he calls his poems. The poems were selected to capture his journey, influences and awakening as an artist and him encountering the Benin bronzes on a trip to Nigeria. (Dir: George ‘Fowokan’ Kelly)Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. Adm: £6.50 / £4.50. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Mon 17 Oct
IDA B. WELLS: A PASSION FOR JUSTICE’
Screening of Ida B. Wells: ‘A Passion for Justice’ plus discussion after screening.
£5 on the door. Venue: Leytonstone Library?, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG. 7pm – 9pm. Age: 5+. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 496 1190.
Mon 17 Oct
THE BLACK BRITISH FILMMAKER’S GUIDE TO SUCCESS
Seasoned black Film commentator Nadia Denton discusses her book The Black British Filmmaker’s Guide to Success: Finance, Market and Distribute Your Film. Chaired by Kunle Olulode (The New Black). Venue: Islington Museum, 245 St. John’s Street EC1V 4NB. Adm: Free (booking essential). Info: aisha.forbes@vai.org.uk
Mon 17 Oct
18 DAYS
A series of ten short films that tell the varied stories of the recent Egyptian uprising that led to the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. The narratives cover different perspectives and are contained within an original presentation that combines real-life footage, digital camera work and scripted sequences. (Egypt, 2011, 120 mins. Venue: Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ. 7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm). Adm: £8, concs £6. Info: 0207 471 9153.
Wed 19 Oct
THE TREE OF SPIRITS (PG)
The Tree of Spirits blends West African and North American storytelling, and touches on universal themes such as the environment and the quest for water. Friendship is a central theme as two young children come together to prevent the felling of the sacred baobab tree. (50 mins). Venue: Tricycle Cinema, The Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR. 10.30am. Info: 0207 292 7300.
Wed 19 Oct
MOGADISHU DREAMING
Ahmed Hagi left Somalia for Australia as Somalia fell into civil war. His landscape paintings allow him the space to try and interpret his identity, incorporating his cherished memories from childhood within his adopted home of Australia. (9 min). Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £6.50 / £4.50 in advance. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Wed 19 Oct
MOSA
Mosa explores a young woman’s internal struggle after being the victim of a hate crime rape in South Africa. Now in London, Mosa takes advantage of new opportunities to start a new life, but after feeling objectified once again, she breaks through and finally decides to live on her own terms. (Dir: Ana Moreno, UK/2010, 15min). Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £6.50 / £4.50 in advance. Info: 0207 520 1490
Wed 19 Oct
SOULJAH
On a South London estate the local youths see themselves as being in a war against the police, gangs, the world. They think nothing of bullying an effeminate young African asylum-seeker and his mother. (Dir: Rikki Beadle-Blair, 2009/UK, 11min). Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £6.50 / £4.50 in advance. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Wed 19 Oct
BLACK AND GAY
Poet Dean Atta on coming out and his experience as a black gay man living in London. (Dir: Kathy Sheppard, UK 2008, 3min). Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £6.50 / £4.50 in advance. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Wed 19 Oct
BLOOD
Danny is a champion amateur boxer about to compete in his first professional fight. Years of coaching by his father Isaac and trainer Geoff are about to pay off. All Danny has to do is win. But sometimes you have to lose to win. (Dir: Kolton Lee, 2005/UK, 16min).Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £6.50 / £4.50 in advance. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Wed 19 Oct
B.D. WOMEN
Lively interviews feature Black women talking candidly about their sexual and racial identities. These contemporary views are cleverly interwoven with a dramatized love story, set in the 1920s. (Dir: Inge Blackman aka Campbell X, UK 1994, 20 min). Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £6.50 door, £4.50 adv. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Thurs 20 Oct
ANCESTRAL VOICES
Screening and Q&A of a documentary that examines significant correlations mainstream religions and African spiritual practices widely stigmatised as Juju, Obeah, Voodoo or witchcraft. Venue: Forest Hill Library, 82 Dartmouth Rd, Forest Hill, London SE23 3HZ, 5.30pm (73 min. screening, 30 min Q&A). Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 7653.
Fri 21 Oct
AFRICA UNITED (12A)
The extraordinary story of three Rwandan kids who walk 3000 miles to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa.(88 mins). Venue: Tricycle Cinema, The Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR. 10.30am. Info: 0207 292 7300.
Thurs 20 Oct
DOCHOUSE PRESENTS…
DocHouse has joined forces with Rich Mix, Tricycle and the Riverside to bring the very best in award-winning international documentary to your doorstep. There’s a new season every month. October’s films are in association with Black History month, and feature a special screening at Rich Mix on October 20th. DocHouse. Venue: Rich Mix, 35–47 Bethnal Green Rd, Bethnal Green, E1 6LA. 8pm. Adm: £9, concs £7. Info: 0207 613 7498.
Sat 22 Oct
FILM: KIRIKOU
Tiny but brave Kirikou outwits a powerful sorceress; this enchanting adventure was inspired by the folk stories of Senegal. Venue: at Bird in Bush Centre, 616 Old Kent Road, SE15 1JB. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 639 3030.
Mon 24 Oct
MOVIE MADNESS: MADAGASCAR
Spoiled by their upbringing with no idea what wild life is really like, four animals from New York Central Zoo escape, unwittingly assisted by four absconding penguins, and find themselves in Madagascar. All day. Venue: Idea Store Whitechapel, 321 Whitechapel Road, Whitechapel, E1 1BU. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 364 1738.
Mon 24 Oct
THE BLACK CANDLE
‘The Black Candle’ will have a discussion after screening. Venue: Walthamstow Library, High St, Walthamstow E17 7JN. 7pm – 9pm. Adm: £5 on the door
Mon 24 Oct
BIG CITY STORIES
A collection of film extracts from Black London Film Heritage, depicting black Londoners in the twentieth century. Bring your lunch. Venue: Bruce Castle Museum, Lordship Lane, London N17 8NU. 12.15pm. Doors open at noon. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 808 8772.
Tues 25 Oct
AFRICA UNITED (Cert 12)
The extraordinary story of three Rwandan children, who walk 3000 miles to the World Cup in South Africa. Venue: Highgate Library, 1 Shepherds Hill, Highgate, London N6 5QJ. 7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 8772.
Tues 25 Oct
BLACK FLASH
The History Of Black Footballers In Britain. Screening of the Black Flash documentary about the History of Black Footballers in Britain followed by a Q&A by the author Phil Vasili. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Rd, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 7 – 9pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3400.
Wed 26 Oct
BLACK FLASH
A century of black footballers film screening. Author Phil Vasili presents a screening of the BBC4 documentary Black Flash: A Century of Black Footballers. Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill St, SE15 5JR. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 358 9645.
Wed 26 Oct
SPECIAL SCREENING OF THE MOVIE ‘THE LION KING’
Family event-bring a packed lunch!! Tickets for the movie available at Leytonstone Library from Monday 12th October 2011. Venue: Leytonstone Library, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG. 11.15am –1pm. Age: 5+. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 496 1190.
Wed 26 Oct
VIVA RIVA! (15)
For charismatic criminal, Riva, a sudden burst of stolen wealth ignites an exhilarating, hedonistic and perilous journey through one of the most intriguing cities in Africa – Kinshasa’s. multi-award winning film. (Djo Tunda Wa Munga, 2010, Congo/96min, Lingala w/English Subtitles). Venue: King’s Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £6.50, £4.50 adv. Info: 0207 520 1490.
Fri 28 Oct
AFRICAN HISTORY BEFORE THE SLAVE TRADE’
Presentation on ‘African History before the Slave Trade’ Plus discussion after screening. Venue: Walthamstow Library, High St, Walthamstow E17 7JN. 7pm – 8pm. Adm: £5 on the door. Info: 0208 496 3189.
Thurs 27 Oct
FUSION NIGHT
This evening will be a mixer of film documentary screening and poetry and ‘share your talent’ sessions by young people. Kayd Somali Arts and Culture. Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 6pm–8pm. Adm: £5. Info: 07903 712 949.
DECEMBER
Thurs 1 Dec
THE DOORS OF PERCEPTION
Film Documentary and Q&A. A Part Of The U.N.’S International Year Of People Of African Descent 2011 Be some of the first people to see this insightful documentary on the history and legacy of Carved Doors, Cultural Tourism and Indian Ocean slave trade in East Africa and Oman. Led by Patrick Vernon. Venue: Hackney Museum, Ground Floor, Technology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. 6pm – 7.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 3000 /0208 356 2509.
