Projects in genres: Black

Synopsis

A multi-narrative feature film set across four storylines that follow a group of characters as their lives begin to unravel. Aisha is in a marriage that has become stale, when her wish to get pregnant finally becomes reality, she receives some very unexpected news. Louie and Gaspard are a gay couple who are happily in love but when Louie’s female financée suddenly shows up in the picture, all that they hold dear begins to fall apart. Adam and Luke are best friends, but an attack on Adam at a party threatens to create a schism between them. Sindiso runs a charity for women to which she has dedicated herself. When the centre begins to have financial troubles with the real risk of closing, Sindiso must question her fundamental motivations. In the middle of the bustling city we watch as their worlds begin spiralling apart.

Synopsis

After his recent release from prison, AJ tries to get his life back on the right track. However, his efforts are met with equally frustrating results as he struggles to find work. With his family and friends reluctant to get too close, he finds himself isolated and defeated. Eventually finding work as a night watchman in an old 19th century town hall, AJ becomes relentlessly haunted by disturbing events of his past as he starts losing his grip on reality. With his immediate future seeming uncertain, he’s left to piece together what is left his fractured life.

Synopsis

Rosemary invites young Basil round for dinner. She only wants one thing. And he's more than willing to accommodate. But when you've imagined something for so long, can reality ever quench your desire?

Synopsis

Amma spends the day getting braids in her local Afro-Caribbean hair salon. It's full of fun, sheen spray, gossip and laughter - but how will she deal with the casual homophobia?

Synopsis

Exploring the legacy of famous African samurai warrior, Yasuke, whose story is told through the eyes of a young Japanese woman living in the UK.

Synopsis

A social worker finds herself lost in the deserted Swazi outback when she tries to locate a reclusive community leader.

Synopsis

Tammy, bored with her brother's writing, is transported to a magical world where she, the Queen of Fun, sees the King of Dull build a dam on the River of Love. Her land is destroyed in the process, so she declares war on Dull.

Synopsis

Documenting Ghanaian housing activist Dora Boatemah and the Angell Town community in Brixton, London fighting for better housing conditions. Central to Boatemah's work was the right of tenants to vote on the future of their own estates. Dora died in 2001 at the age of 43. Official Selection Rotterdam International Film Festival 2018 - World premiere

Synopsis

A dreamscape story of a discovering faith, guidance and strength beneath the waters.

Synopsis

Figure is a film about boys growing up without fathers. It explores how early detachment from a father figure affects emotional growth and engagement with the world. Through a fusion of physical theatre and hip-hop dance, it follows two young men as they search for answers outside and inside themselves.

Synopsis

A mixed-race child, Marvin Rees grew up in Bristol's ghettos in the UK with prostitution, violence and poverty on a daily basis. Ever since, Marvin had the desire to go against the injustices he experienced and decides to run for mayor. As a complete amateur, he steps into the world of politics. Despite his charisma and intellect, his biggest battle is believing anyone will take this black guy from the ghetto serious. In a tight race, he must accept his loss in front of rolling cameras. Though feeling personally ashamed, losing has even a greater significance as the city carries a history of exclusion and racism. Bristol was part of the slave trade, was struck by a civil rights movement in the 1960's inspired by Martin Luther King and had the black youth revolting in the 1980's, which caused a nationwide riot. Today it is the increasing fear of muslims that shatters the city. Despite his doubts, Marvin decides to run again. More professional, stronger and with the vital support of the muslim community. Will he manage to break the circle of history and become the first mayor of African decent of a city in Europe?

Synopsis

'The Third Part of the Third Measure' creates an encounter with the militant minimalism of avant-garde composer, pianist and vocalist Julius Eastman. The two-channel video installation focuses on what The Otolith Group (Anjalika Sagar and Kodwo Eshun) describe as an “experience of watching in the key of listening”, invoking political feelings of defiance and the collective practice of movement building that participates in the global struggles against neoreactionary authoritarianism. Their work invites viewers to attend to exemplary ecstatic aesthetics of black radicalism that Eastman himself once described as “full of honor, integrity and boundless courage”. (Berlinale brochure) Official Selection Berlinale 2018 - Forum Expanded Exhibition - "A Mechanism Capable of Changing Itself" - Group exhibition at Akademie der Künste, Hanseatenweg