For the first time since its creation in 2020, Windrush Caribbean Film Festival will celebrate the pioneers of the Windrush generation in person in cinemas. Lovers of Black films are invited to join in-person screenings across the capital and Birmingham from 25 June to 17 July, as well as discovering exclusive films online.
From Empire to Commonwealth: Legacies of the Windrush Generation is this year’s theme for the festival. This year, the festival will showcase legacies not only of the original Windrush pioneers arriving in Britain during the 1940s but their descendants who are shaping Britain as we know it today.
“Our goal is to celebrate legacies of the Windrush generation on Black life and modern Britain. This discussion has never been more relevant.” Said, Frances-Anne Solomon, Director, WCFF
Having begun in Wales with screenings from 17-19 June, WCFF received raved applause. It’s now on its 2nd leg of its celebratory journey moving to London before ending in Birmingham for the closing night and Awards ceremony.
On 25 June at the ‘home of Black Britain’, Brixton, film fans can enjoy the iconic film, Pressure, by Sir Horace Ové, hailed as Britain’s first black feature film at the Ritzy Cinema. For its final London outing, the festival moves to Genesis Cinema in East London on 1 July.
Birmingham will then play host for the closing night on 17 July, Midlands Arts Centre.
“We’re excited to finally be in cinemas, after two years where we were all unable to meet due to the worldwide pandemic but, we’re keen however, not to lose those fans across the world who enjoyed our films via our digital platforms so we have an amazing online on-demand programme lined up which is available throughout the festival.” Says, Patricia Hamzahee, Director, WCFF
In addition to the films, panel discussions, and Q&A, the festival will continue its tradition of an Awards ceremony. This will include the coveted Paulette Wilson Award as well as the introduction of several new categories. All awards will be held as part of the closing ceremony in Birmingham on 17 July.
Patrons can also get an online Festival Pass, which provides on-demand access to the in-person screening dates, until 31 July 2022. Viewers can watch recordings of the cinema screenings and talkbacks, as well as a range of additional films at their convenience.
