First Ever Convention for Black Creatives from Film & HETV in the UK!
The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) takes the bold step of launching TNB XPO to create an exciting inspirational platform that will showcase Black Excellence in Film and HETV. This will be a gathering of Black creatives and practitioners to connect the dots, fill the gaps and solidify a supply chain for the lifecycle of Black films. TNB XPO has a two-day hybrid format on March 30-31. It takes place in person at the illustrious Picturehouse Central in London and then opens up to a global audience online the following day.
A key focus of the event is to spotlight the 50 Black Producers’ graduation from the ScreenSkills Pro-Create Mentoring Programme (in association with S.O.U.L. Fest 2021) and bringing them to the attention of the industry leaders. The mentees have worked with their Black mentors (from hit films and major broadcasters) to improve their understanding about the business side of releasing a film after a yearlong mentorship.
Priscilla Igwe, Managing Director of TNBFC stated, “there is a great deal of Black British talent in this country. We can’t wait to be accepted, included or recognised. We have to step into the spotlight and invite those who are interested to see what we can do. As an influential community with a rich culture that is popular throughout the world, we must create and own our content within the creative industries. I came up with TNB XPO as a brand new space to achieve just that.”
There will be a full day of keynote speeches, screenings, exhibition stands, pitching by the ScreenSkills mentees, networking and recruitment opportunities for Black film creatives. Entry is FREE and backed by BFI, ScreenSkills, Film London and the Independent Film Trust along with other screen sector support.
Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “London’s diverse communities and cultures are at the capital’s core, with a multitude of authentic stories and voices to be seen and heard. It is absolutely imperative that the screen industries reflect the diversity of the city itself, both in front of and behind the camera, providing underrepresented groups with accessible pathways into roles, education and finance.
Film London is committed to greater inclusivity across our organisation and programmes, continuing to grow our Equal Access Network and skills training, providing development opportunities such as the recently launched FLAMIN Animations programme, and supporting cinemas across the city in engaging new audiences. I am thrilled to be involved in the inaugural TNB XPO, supporting new and emerging Black talent to make those fundamental connections.”
According to a report by Dr Clive Nwonka (2020), “Britain’s Black and ethnic minority population remain excluded from key areas of the [film] industry, with…representation still mostly located in secondary roles than… key production roles.” The report continues to demonstrate that “Black and ethnic minority individuals were over three times less likely to gain…career progression roles,” and “Black and ethnic minority individuals were nearly twice less likely to receive crucial mentoring roles in the [film] industry.”
TNBFC will strive to fulfil this gap as a Black-led organisation with their lived experience of systemic racism and tackling barriers within the film industry. They will address the statistics head on by empowering Black talent and encouraging autonomy. TNB XPO will be a safe haven for cultural expression and a home for the freedom of ideas stemming from the African diaspora.