Project Detail

Bel

Bel
A woman singing into a microphone

Synopsis

Bel was a Kenyan-Scottish woman who dreamt of singing to the world. A musician, singer and writer, she performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed and in 2021 was on the cusp of fame. But just as the world was about to discover her name, Bel took her own life, leaving poignant video diaries and a phone full of amazing songs.
A Kenyan-Scottish woman fighting to be heard, a brilliant artist, still largely unknown. Her death, and a small yet beautiful body of work are her story now.
Like Nick Drake who died at the age of 26 – Bel’s untimely death has changed her life story – the beginning and middle are in the shadow of its end, and the power and mystery of Bel’s music and life lie in the pathos of this story and its meanings.
Whatever led Bel to take her own life was also at the heart of what powered her music, it was a part of who she was. This film tells the story of an artist on the cusp of stardom and her sister Leah’s determination to fulfil Bel's dream: releasing her record and sharing her with the world.

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, Nanacy Bornat, Emma Loach, 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

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Hopscotch Films

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

Page updates

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