The BFI have announced the UK’s biggest ever season of film and television dedicated to celebrating the range, versatility and power of black actors. Black Star explores the relationship between stars and the audiences who love them, spotlighting great performances by black actors on screen.

Experiential cinema events announced include site-specific screenings or Car Wash (in a car wash!) and Stir Crazy at Crumlin Road Jail, Northern Ireland.

 

Live cinema events with a musical focus include a performance from a Welsh choir and vocalists at a screening of The Proud Valley, celebrating the work of Paul Robeson by Chapter in partnership with Welsh National Opera and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Live Cinema UK will present a tour with Norman Jay MBE focussing on star actors such as Sidney Poitier, and Blaxploitation classic Shaft with Richard Rowntree. Jay will introduce each film, explaining the influences these stars have had on his career and life, and provide a DJ set incorporating rare soundtracks from the history of black cinema at venues in London, Leeds, Exeter, Manchester and Bristol.

 

The full programme of national events will be announced shortly on the BFI Black Star website.