TNB XPO 2023
TNB XPO is our flagship industry event featuring talks, seminars, networking and chances to pitch your films. In 2023 it took place from Wednesday 29 - Friday 31 March.
Days 1 and 2, Rich Mix, Shoreditch
Our flagship event, TNB XPO is open to everyone working in film and high-end television in any capacity. It takes place annually and is an opportunity for film industry practitioners (filmmakers, distributors, educators, producers and on-screen talent) to connect with, discover and amplify both UK and international Black cinema.
The event’s keynote speakers included Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London & British Film Commission; Shanida Scotland, Director & Head of Film at Doc Society.
Those looking for funding for a film were invited to pitch to an investor panel in the Lion’s Den, while those who already had a film had the opportunity to get in front of commissioners in the Pitch’n’Mix session - both of which were looking for rarely told Black stories that upend stereotypes, or projects that have a Black-led creative team.
The Whickers’ Artistic Director Jane Ray shared her expert knowledge of documentary filmmaking, and ScreenDaily reporter Mona Tabbara joined the XPO to share the importance of diversity across the film industry.
Finally, attendees were able to hear from award-winning British-Nigerian author Tọlá Okogwu about the process of taking her book from page-to-screen in a special discussion with Hena J. Bryan aka Bookish Babe.
Day 3, online
For our international audiences and anyone who can’t make the trip to London, we hosted day 2 of TNB XPO 2023 online only. We brought together speakers and experts from around the world to a virtual XPO stage. They gave their take on the most important issues facing Black creatives in the film and TV industries and how we can address them together.
The programme featured a global line-up of speakers working in the Black film and TV sectors in territories including the US, Caribbean and Africa and a keynote from Leanna Smith, Production Manager at Film4.