Black History, Black Future

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Black History, Black Future

For Black History Month this year we have teamed up with Through A Different Lens to present a special programme of films and events highlighting Black stories.

The RBF Team

Rich Text

We sat down with Jocelyn from Through A Different Lens to discuss Black History Month, cinema and what to expect from our mini festival later this month.

RBF: Hi Jocelyn, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. We're excited to collaborate with your company, Through A Different Lens, for a special series of events for Black History Month. Firstly, could you tell us how Through A Different Lens got started?

JCH: I wanted to create a space to bring film makers (and film enthusiast) together. Lots of people are doing amazing things across the area and I felt we need a space to inspire and create. As a black woman, I don't always see myself reflected in film and when it happens it's not always positive so making and showcasing films means so much to me - I want to be part of the change, uplifting my community and others. I'm always on the look out for films that speak to a different experience and intersection different groups. Also, it's great just to share a good story - whatever the talent in front of and behind the camera looks like. In addition, so many films get shown in places like London, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester but don't come to Reading - so frustrating - so I'm very keen to change that too!

RBF: Absolutely, we're glad you are bringing indie shorts and underrepresented filmmakers to Reading. We hope our joint programme of events for Black History Month will continue this trend. The theme of our mini-festival is 'Black History, Black Future'. What does this theme mean to you?

JCH: There is so much history and untold stories from the African-Caribbean community. But I also feel we need to connect the past to the present and the future. Yes, we should look back and record, reflect and hold the stories of the pioneers high, but as we do so I'd like to see how we stay connected to the challenges but also share the joy and progress of being black.

Photos from previous Creative Connection Meet-Ups.

RBF: Thursday 12th October you are hosting a special Black History Month edition of Creative Connections Meet-Up. What can people expect for this event?

JCH: We've got a brilliant panel of emerging filmmakers who are getting things made, securing funding and engaging audiences. The films they have created are inspiring and highlight lived experiences not often seen - so relatable to Through A Different Lens. We'll be screening the films, holding a Q&A with the panel plus networking in the workspace - a great way to develop connections, talk about your project and maybe find a collaboration. In addition, University of Reading, in their support have organised refreshments in the form of pizza from Sarv's plus nibbles from Tutu Ethiopian Table - excellent.

David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah in Rye Lane (2023).

RBF: Our first feature film screening is Rye Lane from earlier this year on Friday 13th October. How is Rye Lane significant in today's film landscape?

JCH: Firstly, it's a fun film - whether you are coming with friends, family or someone special it will make you smile. So relatable and the look of it is colourful and engaging. With a brilliant cast that really bring a day in South London to life it's the perfect way to ease into the weekend. Importantly, the lead characters are a young black British pairing who are finding a way forward and having fun after disappointment - a positive portrayal of young black people that is sadly lacking in British cinema. In fact, their race is not the heart of the story making representation on screen never more important. As you can tell - I love it and was so keen to programme it.

Local writer and storyteller Marva Carty photographed by Tania Willis.

RBF: Saturday 14th October we have some fun workshops for all ages. Can you tell us a little about these?

JCH: I wanted to connect young and old to African Caribbean life. Black British culture covers so much and is rich in diversity and heritage. Our still life drawing workshop will aid those who love drawing and art to create their own draw images of items from a traditional home - a nod to the past and a creation of modern artwork fro your home. Myself and the artist Patricia Lewis have been busy raiding our mums living rooms to create a historical and fun display. All abilities are welcome as Patricia will guide everyone to create something that is their version - no pressure at all.

Our family storytelling session is about sharing stories from Caribbean culture that conjure images of another life in another place. So many Caribbeans and Africans who came to the UK brought their culture with them passing down stories - Marva Carty is a brilliant story teller who will be sharing here books plus elements from Caribbean history. We've made it a free session with booking essential as a nod to parents who wants to enjoy and event with their children in a calm environment.

Blacker Dread in Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind (2023).

RBF: Barrel Children, Nadine White's documentary, is screening Saturday night as well. How does the film contrast or compliment Rye Lane from the night before?

JCH: The stories of the children who became known as 'Barrel Children' is a little explored area of Caribbean life 1950s and 1960s. As time passes more families are re evaluating what this mean - to leave your young children 'back at home' to get settled and 'send for them later' must have been a total wrench. Sometimes, the length of time was months and sometimes years - so i sharing this film I wanted to highlight a little discussed area that has at times caused great pain for many families. In this way black history that has informed black future. In producing and curating events to reflect on Black History month, I'll always try to connect both time scales - it's what makes the black community what it is, resilient, forward looking and adapting to whatever the world throws up with a joy and spirit that cannot be diminished.

RBF: We can't wait to watch and listen to these stories! Thanks again Jocelyn for joining us and for everything you do, and we look forward to Thursday 12th October.

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