‘BLACK STAR’ will shine at the BFI!

by A_F_R_O_W

When the BFI celebrates achievement in film and television, it celebrates!

Case-in-point, the glitz and glamour of the 60th London Film Festival, which wrapped with a glorious nod to director-extraordinaire, Steve McQueen, who was awarded with the BFI Fellowship.

Hot-on-the-heels of the highly-successful event, the baton of style and substance has been passed on to the ‘Black Star’ season, commencing today and billed by its programmer, Ashley Clark, as ‘the biggest ever celebration of black screen talent.’* Having seen the line-up, not only would I second that statement, but boldly add to it as, quite possibly, the most comprehensive collection, yet, of across-the-board artistry within the genre.

A constant in facilitating the continuance of creative excellence, irrespective of creed, colour or gender, the BFI announced the upcoming season to great fanfare at the eponymous ‘Black Star Symposium’, during the London Film Festival. Headlined by in-demand Actor, David Oyelowo, and attended by other such esteemed panellists as Amma Asante (multi-award winning Writer/Director) and Noel Clark (groundbreaking Actor/Writer/Producer), to name but a few, the conference also marked the first stage of research into the compilation of material, revealing the changing landscape of British cinema, both on and off-screen, purposed with being a game-changing benchmark regarding inclusivity and diversity, for decision-makers within in the industry. Asante being the first Black British Director to open the London Film Festival with ‘A United Kingdom’, starring aforementioned David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike, marks an indelible tribute into such an inspirational endeavour.

With a schedule showcasing contributions from recent and distant past, ‘Black Star’ boldly goes where no season has gone before! Heroes and heroines from, both, small and big-screen, display the many narratives of the Black Diaspora, which are seamlessly woven into a tapestry, resplendent with grit, grace, class, cool and undeniable, landmark artistic virtuosity.

Landmark performances from Poitier to Prince, Baker to Bassett, Ejogo to Ejiofor, Kitt to Kid ‘n’ Play, Nicholas Brothers to New Jack City… Hollywood, Nollywood…culminate in a meticulously-planned, nigh on, inexhaustible selection! Add to that, a generous helping of Q-and-A’s, enough to quell the appetite of even the most inquisitive of movie-goers and a mid-season exhibition dedicated to the genius of Paul Robeson plus a 2-4-1 offer on tickets (see T’s and C’s below)** and you’re ready to plot your own cinematic odyssey!

Enjoy!

Click below for more information about the ‘Black Star ‘ Season at BFI Southbank and Nationwide!

http://www.bfi.org.uk/blackstar

@BFI (#BFIBlackStar)

Credits

*Source (Ashley Clark quote):BFI Southbank ‘Black Star’ Season Programme, p.18.

Ticket Offer Terms and Conditions

** To redeem the 2-4-1 ticket offer, you must quote ‘STAR241’ when booking online, in person or by phone. The code CAN be used more than once but the offer ONLY applies to the purchase of two tickets for the SAME film. The offer EXCLUDES previews and special events.

(Offer information correct at time of going to press).

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