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Project Detail

Bel

Black and white image. A woman wearing glasses looks directly into the camera
A woman singing into a microphone

Synopsis

Bel was a Kenyan-Scottish woman who dreamt of singing to the whole world. A gifted musician, singer, and writer, she performed under the stage name Heir of the Cursed and in 2021 was on the absolute cusp of wider fame. But just as the world was finally about to discover her name, Bel took her own life, leaving behind poignant video diaries and a mobile phone full of amazing, unreleased songs.
She was a brilliant artist fighting to be heard, yet she remains largely unknown today. Her untimely death and a small but beautiful body of work form her legacy now. Much like the legendary musician Nick Drake who also died young, the power and mystery of Bel’s music lies within the heavy pathos of her life's sudden end. Whatever deep internal struggles led to her tragic death were also at the very heart of what powered her mesmerising art.
This documentary tells the story of an artist on the edge of stardom, and her sister Leah’s fierce determination to fulfil Bel's dream: releasing her final record and sharing her with the world.
Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026 - Closing Night Film - World premiere

Details

Year
2026
Type of project
Features
Running time
90 min
Format
4k
Director
Lou Lockwood 1st Feature
Producer
Sarah Howitt
Executive Producer
John Archer, Nancy Bornat, David Harron, Emma Loach, Tony Nellany, Mark Thomas
Editor
Audrey McColligan
Director of Photography
Lou Lockwood, Sarah Howitt
Composer
Beldina Odenayo, arranged by Joe Rattray
Film Title Note
FKA Bel Heir of the Cursed

Genre

Biography Black Music Scottish Woman Director

Categories

Documentary

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

Hopscotch Films

John Archer
Film City Glasgow
401 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 2QJ
+44 (0)1414 406740/ +44 (0)7710 344508

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