IBW (Images of Black Women) Film Festival taking place from 13 April to 15 April at The Tricycle Theatre, London is very excited to celebrate black female filmmakers and the diversity of the Diaspora Cinema. In its 8th year, the festival serves as advocate for “cinematic justice” for the black woman, too often absent, mute and stereotypically represented on the big screen. IBW considers it paramount to offer a platform that stimulates change, promotes and encourages individual and collective initiative in filmmaking and audience experience.
This year, the festivities kick off with an impressive double-bill. The UK premieres the compelling documentary on sport legend Jesse Owens by acclaimed director Laurens Grant, followed by the gritty but stylish depiction of teen angst; Yelling to the Sky starring an affecting performance by Zoë Kravitz (daughter of the mixed race half Bahamian & Jewish actor/singer Lenny Kravitz), nominated for a Golden Bear at last year Berlinale.
Saturday 14 April showcases films that encapsulate the Caribbean experience, whilst offering a selection of shorts and features with particular focus on womanhood and the islands, featuring the romantic comedy One Love starring Bob Marley’s son Ky-Mani Marley and Idris Elba. From Guadeloupe we have the poetic huis-clos Bloody Roots (Fichues Racines) and the celebrated series titled Women West Indies Diaspora produced by the Guadeloupian -Trinidadian filmmaker couple: Stephanie & Steve James in attendance.
Saturday is also marked by two challenging seminars and talks starting with a refreshing look at the evolving image of the black actress and what the future holds with guest speakers in What next for the Black Actress?. The second event is an interactive discussion Small Talk, Big Talk – Black Women’s representation in the 21st century with a formal presentation, exclusive spoken word performances, shorts and a photographic exhibition.
On Sunday 15 April, IBW presents a BAFTA-winning quirky and heartfelt short film Mwansa the Great, the highly recommended sweet comedy Playing Warriors and the acclaimed and powerful drama Anchor Baby starring Nigerian superstar Omoni Oboli.
IBW does not only exhibit the best of diversity in cinema but it also provides a dynamic portal for creative networking. We close the festival on a stimulating and upbeat note: come and join us to discuss tips on how to make your mark in the film industry. Hosted by Lorna Stewart founder & director of mentoring agency Black 100+, this is a fantastic and unique opportunity to share experiences and discuss the dos & don’ts.
It has now been nearly a decade and IBW Film Festival continues to remain the one and only festival resolute in its commitment to celebrate and promote the diversity of black women in film, and to challenge stereotypical depictions of black women on screen both in the UK and abroad.
The full festival programme is available online at www.imageofblackwomen.com
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