S.O.U.L.
06:11The title makes me automatically sing 'Jimmy got soul, Jimmy got soul, Jimmy got S-O-U-L SOUL'
My girl Adama gave me a shout out about an event at the BFI by S.O.U.L. Film UK and it was catered to black filmmakers and movies.
I hear something like that and I just gotta come down to London for that.
Friday 13th was a rainy day but thank God for dads with mahoosive umbrellas so I didn't let the showers deter me.
I got to the BFI just on time and grabbed my seat in the little cinema.
We were given a great introduction which then lead on to the screenings of several shorts.
And they were great.
I wish I could get a list of all of the films but I shall try and link it if possible.
We must have seen just over half a dozen and three or four stood out but the best for me had to be 'Beverley'.
'Beverley' follows the titular character as she struggles to find her identity and place in 1980s London as a mixed-race teenage girl. Laya Lewis is a great leading lady - she was so engaging and her performance was raw and I could really identify with her character.
Also, it's only bloomin' Vicky McClure who plays her (obviously white) mother - although her role isn't that big, the first thing I noticed about her character was her fierce love for her children.
I laughed and stifled tears at 'Beverley' - twas a bit of a emotional roller coaster which is a major plus in my book.
When it's released (later this year I think) please please go and see it and support them.
After the screenings, we were encouraged to go to The Blue Room and enjoy drinks, chat and network.
I was feeling nervous about that because I went by myself but I was just sprouting prayers in my head for courage and to just out myself out there a bit.
And I did.
Thank God for Pelumi (Adama's friend) who basically got me into the event. We stayed together and plotted how to talk to Laya and other people.
Within 5 minutes I met Destiny Ekaragha who came over to out table for snacks and I was literally like 'omg Destiny hi' (not being awkward at all) and I told her that I loved her films (Gone Too Far, Tight Jeans, The Park) and that I was currently on her week on the Future Learn Filmmaking course that I'm taking. She was so nice and encouraging and I even made her laugh out loud (smooth).
I managed to meet Laya who was literally the sweetest and I told her how much I loved 'Beverley' and I mentioned 'Skins' which is where I originally knew her from. She told Pelumi and I how they only shot the film last year and now it's going to festivals. I hope it gets the recognition it deserves because the film is fantastic.
I ended up speaking to two women and having multiple debates about the lack of black women working in film, the lack of accurate portrayals of black women etc etc and generally came to the consensus that we need to be the change.
I loved it.
I thank God for the day.
After what might have been a couple of hours - I totally lost track of time - Pelumi and I took our leave.
I even got a business card.
Day very well spent.
• thank you to S.O.U.L., The British Blacklist, the BFI, Pelumi, Adama and everyone involved. It was an amazing day and I will totes be back. Hopefully with a film.
•• cue the awkward pics I took when I was alone. The quality isn't great but you're able to get the gist of what's happening so hey ho.
(I look so awks omg)
*sorry for the massive gap between posts! Shalla to my readers (welcome Israeli family) love youse!
2 comments
Lovely review and photos LGtown. Brings back nice memories.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see Destiny, but asked questions of writer of Gone Too Far, Bola, at a film screening and Q&A at Greemnwich Picture House last year.
I really enjoyed the event too. Some terrific films shown that I'd love to see more of. Hopefully the producers can develop them into longer films at some point. Like you, Beverley for me also was the stand out film of the afternoon. Others really impressed too.
My full review of the event and other musings on the state of Black British film and TV are on my review of the event below.
https://tiemotalkofthetown.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/s-o-u-l-film-uk/
Beverley was great, right!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tiemotalk and I read and liked your review as well! x