Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, Film4, Film London and the BFI will take the stage at TNB XPO 2023

TNB XPO calls on Black creatives and film & tv talent to challenge ‘woeful under-representation’ in UK screen industries

UK-based film network The New Black Film Collective brings together major names in film and TV to turn words into action, when it comes to addressing Black representation across the entire film and TV ecosystem.

TNB XPO 2023 takes place over three days this month: Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 March at Rich Mix, Shoreditch and a day of online programming on Friday 31 March.

Over 400 film industry practitioners, from filmmakers to distributors, exhibitors, producers and on-screen talent will attend the convention, which hopes to be a catalyst for conversations and opportunities to arise between Black film professionals as well as address the wider issues of Black representation in the sector.

Priscilla Igwe, founder of the convention said, “From screenwriters to producers to DOPs (directors of photography) and sound engineers, film programmers, publicists and exhibitors, Black people are woefully underrepresented, and under-appreciated, in our screen industries. 

“It’s not just on-screen that we have a problem, it’s behind the camera too. The opportunity to create a career in the sector is not an equal opportunity and we want to do three things about that. 

“The first is for us all to acknowledge this as the reality, the second is to design environments where Black film and TV professionals can thrive, share knowledge and create opportunities together. And finally, the third is to actively challenge the existing structures that exclude Black talent and creatives - be they by accident or by design!”

TNB XPO will feature speakers and panellists from major names in the sector, from Warner Bros. Discovery to Film4, whose influence could be crucial in creating change, including: Asif Sadiq, ​​Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery, Brittinee Royes, Senior Director of Entertainment Unscripted Content, Documentary & Lifestyle at NBC Universal  and Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Film Fund.

Asif Sadiq said, “I am delighted to be part of The New Black Film Collective’s annual convention, TNB XPO, later this month and to have the opportunity to join the UK’s hugely talented network of film producers, educators and programmers driving Black representation on screen. This is such a positive, inspirational and important event which showcases Black film and high-end TV talent. At WBD, creating a culture of equity inclusion and belonging is imperative to our company’s success. Through embracing our talented diverse workforce and creative teams, we aim to remove barriers to opportunity and open access to our industry at all levels.

“In the UK, we are committed to ensuring that our DEI commitments are seen both on and off screen and one of the standout moments of 2022 was the launch of the Black Britain Unspoken, an exciting filmmaking initiative aimed at giving Black British storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives space to share perspectives and experiences of being Black and British. After debuting their films to the industry at the RTS London Convention, these films were then streamed on discovery+ during Black History Month and we are delighted to showcase these at TNB XPO this year along with unveiling further details on the initiative for 2023."

Among the event’s keynote speakers will be Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London & British Film Commission; Shanida Scotland, Director & Head of Film at Doc Society and Leanna Smith, Production Manager at Film4.

The event is also generously supported by the Film Distributors’ Association and Directors UK. “We’re really pleased to support TNB XPO – in an industry where so many voices are marginalised and underrepresented, Directors UK is excited to connect with Black creatives from across the screen industries, and we can’t wait to meet more incredible directors at our Networking Drinks,” commented Andy Harrower, CEO of Directors UK.

Those looking for funding for a film will be able to pitch to an investor panel in the Lion’s Den, while those who already have a film will have the opportunity to get in front of commissioners in the Pitch’n’Mix session - both of which are looking for rarely told Black stories that upend stereotypes, or projects that have a Black-led creative team.

On the evening of Wednesday 29 March, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE will join a Q&A after a screening of Breaking (dir. Abi Damaris Corbin), the 2022 film co-written by Kwei-Armah and starring John Boyega as a Marine Corps veteran in financial trouble and who robs a bank. The film received the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022. Other exclusive previews include Chevalier (Thursday 30 March) and Missing (Monday 27 March).

The Whickers’ Artistic Director Jane Ray will share her expert knowledge when it comes to documentary filmmaking and ScreenDaily reporter Mona Tabbara joins the XPO to share the importance of diversity across the film industry.

Finally, attendees will have a unique opportunity 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.

Her fantastical book series, described as ‘Black Panther meets X-Men’ has been picked up by Will Smith and David Oyelowo, who will produce a film adaptation of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun for Netflix. Presented by Dark Matter, this in-conversation event will, “show what is possible when we share resources, share knowledge and a passion for our craft,” commented Igwe.

On the third and final day, TNB XPO is hosted entirely online and presents a global line-up of speakers working in the Black film and TV sectors across international territories including the United States, Caribbean and a major emerging market to many, Africa. 

TNB XPO 2023 takes place over three days: Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 March at Rich Mix, Shoreditch in London and on Friday 31 March online. Free tickets for the daytime and online industry activities and paid tickets for the film previews can be found here - https://www.tnbfc.co.uk/tnb-xpo-23