Alterior, Beats From Heaven and Food Music & Vibes drop on discovery+
October 6, 2023
Renowned Director Blitz Bazawule, of The Burial of Kojo, Beyoncé’s Black Is King and the upcoming Warner Bros film The Color Purple, celebrated three young, emerging Black British filmmakers who will debut their short films on discovery+ today as part of Black Britain Unspoken.
Part of Warner Bros Discovery Access, the talent development programme for under-represented creatives, Black Britain Unspoken aims to give opportunity and voice to Black British filmmakers who are breaking into the industry, as data continues to show that Black people remain particularly underrepresented across director, writer and producer roles in the UK.
Back for a second series in 2023, this year’s three short films; Alterior by Terrie Aghaizu, Beats From Heaven by Eden Igwe and Food, Music & Vibes by Monique Needham, each provide authentic, original perspectives of what it means to be Black and British. The films were privately viewed by Blitz Bazawule, and in a meeting this week in London with the three up-coming filmmakers Bazawule said, ‘I was blown away by the authenticity and originality of each of the Black Britain Unspoken 2023 films. I could instantly relate to the family relationships depicted in Food, Music & Vibes; Alterior beautifully dispelled the concept that Blackness can sometimes be a narrow box; and Beats From Heaven – I was instantly hooked, as a musician I have also been heavily influenced by church music. Eden, Monique, and Terrie are the next generation of storytellers. I look forward to seeing what they do next on the back of this hugely exciting Black Britain Unspoken programme.’
Last night Alterior, Beats From Heaven and Food, Music & Vibes were premiered to industry and press at the Ritzy in Brixton, celebrating the films and the filmmakers ahead of public release today. The event, delivered in partnership with Bounce Cinema and hosted by The British Blacklist Founder Akua Gyamfi, showcased the diverse storytelling and inspiring creative vision of these unique talents.
Speaking on the films and Black Britain Unspoken Akua Gyamfi said ‘Warner Bros Discovery’s Black Britain Unspoken programme offers Black British filmmakers the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to shine in an industry that’s historically lacked diversity. In a world hungry for fresh perspectives, programmes like Black Britain Unspoken are the bridge between underrepresented voices and the mainstream. Meeting with Blitz Bazawule, the director of ‘The Color Purple,’ with the Black Britain Unspoken filmmakers this week, was a rare and precious opportunity. The advice he shared was profound which will undoubtedly have longstanding impact on the filmmakers as they embark on their careers. As for the films—Terrie Aghaizu’s ‘Alterior’; Eden Igwe’s ‘Beats From Heaven’; and Monique Needham’s ‘Food, Music & Vibes’ each explored themes of culture, identity, tradition and legacy offering fresh and insightful perspectives that are much-needed in today’s creative landscape, I’m so excited to see more from them and this is why Black Britain Unspoken is important; amplifying diverse voices and making the industry richer and more inclusive.’
Launched in 2022, Black Britain Unspoken identified and supported three incredible filmmakers to produce and launch: The Nod – Tell Me You Got Me by Richard Ampeh, Too Autistic for Black by Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson and The Power of Plantain by Sheila Kayuma, all offering highly personal, unique and inspiring stories. Since taking part in Black Britain Unspoken the films have been screened at the International Shorts Festivals; The Nod – Tell Me You Got Me has been nominated for the Paris Short Film Festival, and both Tee Cee and Richard Ampeh were nominated for Debut Director – Unscripted at the Edinburgh TV Festival New Voices Awards.
Black Britain Unspoken gives filmmakers a pitch-to-production experience, and an opportunity to bring their creative vision to life. With the support of Media Trust, aspiring filmmakers who take part in the programme are also offered professional development and tailored workshops focused on media training and career progression, alongside the production management and mentorship from Bounce Cinema and Warner Bros Discovery UK & Ireland.
Asif Sadiq MBE, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Warner Bros Discovery said ‘Black Britain Unspoken has been developed to give Black British creatives the tools, experience and mentorship to confidently enter the media industry. We are extremely proud of the filmmakers from series one who have gone on to achieve great things and continue to create films. This year we have again identified three hugely inspiring, unique Black British talents in Terrie, Eden and Monique and we are so excited to release their short-films and support them in their creative journey. It is only through targeted support that we can begin to showcase the diverse stories that deserve and need to be told.’