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Queer activist and artist Ajamu prepares to leave Brixton for an exhibition of his work in his hometown, Huddersfield
Drama-documentary 1995 17 mins
By the 1980s and 90s, Brixton had acquired a fearsome reputation as home to a rebellious black presence. This tough urban image also hid a thriving gay scene and arts movement, in which young photographer Ajamu Ikwe-Tyehimba was active. This energetic film traces Ajamu's jump from South London back to his hometown of Huddersfield, Yorkshire, for an exhibition of his work. Playing with and remixing images of black masculinity cross-cut with a "feminine gentleness", he attempts, as sociologist Stuart Hall describes, "to transcend both". Often explicit and very humorous, his approach is never dull, provoking controversy and shocked amusement in equal measure.
The film also boasts a visual feast of local landmarks that either no longer exist or have been altered beyond recognition - look out for the scenes under the arches of Brixton station. There's also a substantial line-up of interesting characters: apart from Stuart Hall, the film includes activist Michael Cadette (formerly of the Race Today collective established by Darcus Howe), leading black photographer David A. Bailey and a homophobic cameo from a very young and fresh-looking Terence Maynard (Coronation Street's Tony Stewart).
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1990 24 mins
Autobiographical account of a mother-daughter relationship, exploring beauty standards and female sexuality.
Drama 1995 19 mins Location: Westminster
The sights and sounds of the Capital at Christmas form a romantic backdrop for this brief meditation on loneliness and love.
Documentary 1990 16 mins
An intimate documentary portrait of a London couple, who candidly reveal the pleasures and pains of body piercing. Teena and Simon are a contemporary couple united in mind, body and spirit.
Documentary 1994 10 mins
Street protest tranvestite nuns perpetually indulge in this 1993 doc featuring Derek Jarman.
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1993 1 mins Location: Bethnal Green
The literal and metaphorical shadow of Canary Wharf spills over all that surrounds it.
Drama 1996 9 mins Location: Hackney
Mickey realises his ticket is a different colour. Should he swap it?
Current affairs 1978 27 mins Location: Brixton
World in Action interviews the residents of Haycroft Road, Brixton as a controversial by-election stokes concerns about race and immigration.
Government sponsored film 1969 12 mins Location: Brixton
Beach, church and carnival – Chief Inspector of Brixton Police sent to Trinidad to learn about West Indian customs.
Amateur film 1967 5 mins Silent Location: Brixton
Its retro gifts galore at baby Michelle's first birthday party captured in this home movie from Brixton
Amateur film 1966 5 mins Silent Location: Brixton
The whole family turns out to celebrate a christening at a local church in Angell Town, Brixton.
Drama 1962 81 mins Location: Brixton
Lloyd Reckord stars as a gifted student confronting the race and class divide in 1960s Brixton.
Documentary 1983 12 mins Location: Brixton
Punk rebellion and anarchy with Peterborough-based punk band The Destructors, six years after their formation.
Comedy 1896 1 mins Silent
A deft music hall act adapted for film, featuring the only known appearance of pioneer filmmaker Robert Paul
Advert 1985 2 mins
Take a fighter jet, a Top Gun pilot with sunglasses and a brand new SAAB 900 and you have a sure-fire vehicle to launch a Hollywood career.
Promotional 2019 10 mins
A wandering warrior dreams of a new form of expression, in this promo for UNKLE’s album The Road: Part II / Lost Highway Pt. II directed by Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton Jones.
1935 16 mins
A rare glimpse of 1930s London in colour: the Thames has never looked lovelier.
1965 1 mins Location: York
A world away from zany humour, Richard Lester shows he can also capture the easy opulence of the upper class nibbling After Eight mints.
Advert 1946 1 mins Silent
Life is looking up! The war is over and the “Corona” Man can visit his “Corona” families once more, door-to-door.
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