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Black Britain on Film
Striking, illuminating and sometimes surprising images of black culture, community and characters, spanning over a century of British film and TV.
From some of the earliest appearances at the dawn of the 20th century to groundbreaking postwar documentaries and contemporary features, this collection charts changing attitudes and hidden histories. Here are the trailblazers, the icons, the stereotypes, the controversies. These richly varied films uncover sometimes surprising histories of black culture and community. They tackle troubling issues of race, representation and identity. And they highlight some of the best of black British filmmaking, from the work of pioneers Horace Ové and Menelik Shabazz to later innovators John Akomfrah and Ngozi Onwurah to contemporary successes Noel Clarke and Debbie Tucker Green. The collection also showcases many of the most distinctive and iconic black performers in British film and TV, including Norman Beaton, Earl Cameron, Idris Elba, Lenny Henry, Carmen Munroe, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Robeson, Rudolph Walker and Elisabeth Welch.
Hull Fair (1902)Hull Fair (1902)
Non-Fiction19024 minsSilent Location: Kingston upon Hull
The ornate pavilions of cinematographs, boxing booths and menageries at Hull Fair.
Divide and Rule - Never!Divide and Rule - Never!
Documentary197841 mins
Young working class Londoners fight racism with the power of rock and reggae in this anarchic documentary.
Jemima + JohnnyJemima + Johnny
196629 mins Location: Notting Hill
Touching short about the friendship between a white boy and a black girl in 1960s Notting Hill.
Nigerian Wedding in CornwallNigerian Wedding in Cornwall
News19641 minsSilent Location: Pool
Dressing to please as the happy couple switch wedding dress for national dress.
A World Is TurningA World Is Turning
Documentary194845 mins
A lost chapter in black British film: extraordinary rushes from a documentary showcasing talented members of the black community.
Tunde's FilmTunde's Film
Documentary drama197440 mins Location: Stepney
Tired of being hassled by the police and with no job opportunities, a group of teenage East End lads plan to rob a bank.
KangaKanga
Drama-documentary199215 mins Location: Brixton
Early 90s London gets a vibrant dose of African culture in this mini odyssey fusing dance, music and fashion.
Cedar Wood & SilkCedar Wood & Silk
199514 mins
Insightful exploration of the relationship between a Jamaican mother and her British-born daughter.
Top DeckTop Deck
Drama196230 minsSilent
A woman bus conductor struggles to ignore her black American army officer lover.
NiceNice
Drama198426 mins
Monologue about a "nice" West Indian and his descent into postcolonial cynicism, performed by the legendary Norman Beaton.
Vox Pops on Black Police OfficersVox Pops on Black Police Officers
Non-Fiction19663 mins
Black police officers? What a ridiculous idea! Attitudes from England's colonial past linger on in the Midlands of the 1960s.
ContactContact
Drama19655 mins
Tense, graphic experimental short film portraying police brutality inside a jail cell.
Martin Luther King Honorary Degree Ceremony at Newcastle UniversityMartin Luther King Honorary Degree Ceremony at Newcastle University
Non-Fiction196710 mins Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
A remarkable event the great American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King makes a powerful speech on a unique visit to Newcastle University.
The Rise and Fall of Nellie BrownThe Rise and Fall of Nellie Brown
Musical196470 mins Location: Liverpool
An incredibly joyous TV musical about a young woman's search for her long-lost cousin.
Mining Review 2nd Year No. 11Mining Review 2nd Year No. 11
Industry sponsored film19499 mins
American actor and singer Paul Robeson visits an Edinburgh colliery, where he regales miners with a rendition of 'I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night'.
Fay Craig - MirageFay Craig - Mirage
Music video19633 mins
You'd better believe it! Talented Jamaican-born dancer Fay Craig dances up a kitschy storm in this kooky 1960s dance film.
Fay Craig - Bongo Baby - CineboxFay Craig - Bongo Baby - Cinebox
Music video19623 mins
Jamaican dancer Fay Craig gets down to a bongo rhythym in this kitsch 1960s dance film.
Fay Craig & the Boscoe Holder Dancers - Voodoo - CineboxFay Craig & the Boscoe Holder Dancers - Voodoo - Cinebox
Music video19623 mins
Dancers Boscoe Holder and Fay Craig shake out some sultry shapes in this vibrant vintage slice of bongo-driven kitsch.
Explore further
Before Windrush
Precious glimpses and surprising rediscoveries: snapshots of black Britain in the decades before the great postwar migrations.
Black Lives
Portraits of public and private lives against the shifting social climate of 20th century Britain.
Black British Filmmaking
A selection of shorts and features by black writers and directors, from milestones of the 60s and 70s to contemporary hits.
More Black Britain films in our Rentals collection.