Image Text:

FILM SCREENING: The Kush Films and BUFF event will pay tribute to migrants from the Windrush generation and beyond

A SPECIAL Windrush 70th anniversary film screening event remembering the history of migration from the Caribbean and the continuing story of present day migration and how this has transformed England and the rest of Europe will will take place on Saturday June 9.

A programme of powerful short films reflecting the Windrush era, present day migration and the troubling stories of migrant enslavement in Libya will be screened at the event.

The screenings will be supported by a live Streets Paved With Gold theatrical performance by Leicester actor Victor Richards commemorating the Windrush generation and the powerful story of mass migration with an emphasis on those that first arrived from the Caribbean 70 years ago on the Empire Windrush.

Event Highlights:
Film: Windrush Stories​

A BUFF Originals and Voice Media Group co-production, Windrush Stories introduces us to the first generation of Caribbean migrants as they recall their experiences of arriving on British shores 70 years ago. Shot earlier this year, BUFF's cameras went to west London along with Voice journalist Leah Sinclair to hear first-hand accounts from members of the Windrush generation.
Director: Clare Anyiam-Osigwe / UK / 15 mins

Film: Sorry We Don't Help Darkies

A Caribbean family living in London's Notting Hill during the tension and violence that led to the 1958 race riots, where black homes where targeted and smashed, comes to a brutal realisation that life in post war Britain is far from the 'Mother Country' that would welcome them with open arms as they had been told to get them aboard the Empire Windrush to help England rebuild after World War II.

The films stars Richard Campbell, Michelle Greenidge, Jemima Ojona, Kai Francis-Lewis & Cameron Palmer Charles.
Writer/Director: Travis Watson / 2013 /10 mins

Performance: Streets Paved With Gold

A special live 20 minute theatrical performance by much-liked Leicester actor Victor Richards telling the imagined story of one man's plight as a member of the arriving Windrush generation.
The performance will complement the award-winning Streets Paved With Gold music/poetry video by Richards played at the start of the evening as part of the event programme.

More info on Victor Richards and his Windrush poetry, book and one-man play can be found at www.vjaytheatre.net
​
Film: The Dead Sea​
An award-winning short film inspired by a true story from the recent refugee crisis. The story follows Emmanuel and Olu who, after almost reaching Europe by boat, are returned to Libya and incarcerated in one of its infamous migrant detention centres. It wasn't too long after this film was made that worldwide news agencies reported migrants been enslaved in Libya.

The Dead Sea is the latest film from writer and director Stuart Gatt and stars Sope Dirisu (Humans,The Huntsman: Winter’s War), Joan Iyiola Denial,A Season in the Congo) and Yasen Atour (Mission Impossible, Rogue Nation). Its affiliated charities are Medecins Sans Frontieres and Human Rights at Sea.
Producer: Kate Glover / UK / 2016 / 15 mins

Watch the trailer below:

Full Programme:
1. Streets paved with gold (music video - 5 mins)
2. Victor Richards presents Streets Paved with Gold (live performance – 20 mins)
3. Stories of Friendship (short Windrush documentary film - 5 mins)
4. Stories of Windrush – Coming to England (Guest talk 5 mins)
5. Sorry We Don't Help Darkies (short film -10 mins)
6. Stories of Windrush – Coming to England (Guest talk 5 mins)
7. The Dead Sea (short film - 15 mins)
Followed by Q&A/Panel Discussion (45 mins)

Invited Guest Speakers and Post Film Panel Discussion:
Attending will be a number of guest speakers from the world of politics and various well-standing Windrush and Community organisations. Some of whom will be given the stage to address the audience and speak about their Windrush experiences and ongoing work.

At the end of the evening there will be a Windrush panel discussion hosted by former Hackney Council councillor, writer and Windrush activist Patrick Vernon OBE. The discussion will explore the legacy of the Windrush generation and the ongoing government Windrush immigration scandal.

The full programme will last approximately two hours.

Event details
Tickets: £12 (Discount for OAPs, Unemployed and Students)
Date: Saturday 9th June
Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm (programme Start: 1.30pm)
Venue: Regent Street Cinema, 309 Regent St, London, W1B 2UW
Tickets: www.regentstreetcinema.com/programme/windrush70

Read every story in our hardcopy newspaper for free by downloading the app.