Menelik Shabazz

Step Forward Youth

Menelik Shabazz

Rare archive footage of British born young people in the mid 70s, discussing issues of school, police, parents and what it is like to be black in a white world.

The Story of Lovers Rock

Menelik Shabazz

Levi Roots, UB40

In the 70s and 80s Britain was rife with racial tension and police harassment particularly against black British youths. These youths were the rebel generation who were also searching for an identity. They created a music - a sub genre of reggae known as Lovers Rock. This music became a global brand through artists like UB40 and Maxi Priest. The music brought a level of intimacy between young people that was unique. It was also 'girl power' music that empowered a generation of young women. Through comedy, live performance, dance, interviews and archive the film takes you back to an untold era of British cultural, music and political history.

Burning an Illusion

Menelik Shabazz

Cassie McFarlane, Victor Romero Evans

A young black woman in England becomes increasingly frustrated with her life with her lazy, demanding boyfriend, and with the help of friends seeks something better.

Blood Ah Go Run

Menelik Shabazz

Short 'newsfilm' looking back at the events of 1981, beginning with the killing of 13 young blacks in New Cross, London. The film goes on to show the anger this aroused among black people, and their march in demonstration - `The Black People's Day of Action'. Also covers the Brixton riots.

Looking for Love

Menelik Shabazz

Despite modern advances in communication technology, many people face loneliness and depression. This immersive documentary explores online dating in the UK's black community.

Time and Judgement: A Diary of a 400 Year Exile

Menelik Shabazz

Thomas Pinnock, Doris Harper-Wills

Time and Judgement is a sci-fi/documentary that combines biblical prophecy with events across the African diaspora between 1980 and 1987. Archive footage includes Haile Selassie, Bob Marley, Kwame Nkrumah, Maurice Bishop, Walter Rodney, Kwame Toure, Bernie Grant.

Britain on Film: Black Britain

Menelik Shabazz

Paul Robeson, Learie Constantine

This series of archive films provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the vital history of Black Britain throughout the 20th century. Featuring footage spanning from 1901 to 1985, this little-seen footage has been found from all across the UK. This programme allows an exploration into stories of migration, community and also the struggle against inequality, while also providing the opportunity to celebrate black British culture and life on screen.

The People's Account

Menelik Shabazz

The People’s Account looks at Broadwater Farm Estate in Tottenham, the scene of serious rioting between police and the residents in 1984, taking the point of view of the Black community who live there. The film ran into trouble immediately with the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), who objected to the description of the police as racist, lawless terrorists, and to the description of the riot as a legitimate act of self-defence. The IBA demanded editorial changes and when the filmmakers refused, the programme was pulled from the schedules, intended never to be shown on British television. It has since become available, earning acclaim for the members of the Ceddo Film and Video Workshop collective – Menelik Shabazz, Milton Bryan, Imruh Bakari, Lazell Daley, Chuma Ukpadi, June Reid, D. Elmina Davis, Glenn Ujebe Masokonane, Vusi Challenger, Sukai Eccleston and Dada Imarogbe – and a place in British history.

Breaking Point – The Sus Law Controversy

Menelik Shabazz

Stuart Hall

The use of an old Victorian law of ‘being a suspicious person’ commonly known as ‘sus’ was used against young black peoplein the mid 70’s in the UK. Interviews include Rudy Narrayan, Stuart Hall and Paul Boeteng. Breaking Point is the first documentary directed by a black director for mainstream British Television.

Catch a Fire

Menelik Shabazz

Burt Caesar, Paul Campbell

This award winning drama/doc tells the story of Paul Bogle, leader of the Morant Bay Rebellion 1865. This rebellion had a major impact on attitudes to race and empire in Victorian Britain, still present today.