Bel Heir of the Cursed
Synopsis
Bel expressed her feelings and thoughts in her obsessive writings and songwriting. This film explores how, despite her incredible gifts, it was still almost impossible for a Black woman to break through.
In the past, a diary might form the basis for a biography, however Bel left a phone full of self-shot films and heart-stopping performances. This compelling archive, plus photographs, diaries and notebooks, brings Bel to life - combined with interviews with those who knew Bel best to create an insightful picture of a darkly humoured, supremely talented, troubled but joyous Kenyan-Scottish black woman determined to be heard.
Details
- Year
- 2026
- Type of project
- Features
- Running time
- 89 min
- Format
- 4k
- Director
-
Lou Lockwood
- Producer
- Sarah Howitt
- Executive Producer
- John Archer, Nancy Bornat, David Harron, Emma Loach, Mark Thomas
- Editor
- Audrey McColligan
- Director of Photography
- Lou Lockwood, Sarah Howitt, Julian Schwanitz
- Composer
- Beldina Odenayo, Joe Rattray
Categories
Production Status
Production Company
Hopscotch Films
John ArcherFilm City Glasgow
401, Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 2QJ
Page updates
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Bel
Director: Lou Lockwood
Year: 2026
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.
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