Diversity on film: Black Star

Into Film have created a presentation suitable for assembly, club or classroom use that teachers and club leaders can use to shine a light on black filmmakers working in the industry today and to inspire young people to tell stories of their own using film.

Included in the assembly are embedded video clips for interactive learning, featuring interviews with prominent black filmmakers and actors such as Letitia Wright from Black Panther,* Belle* and A United Kingdom director Amma Asante, director of Bliss! Rita Osei, Spectre actress Naomie Harris, screenwriter of Belle Misan Sangay and *12 Years A Slave *director Steve McQueen. Also included are a range of discussion points designed to raise important questions on diversity in the film industry and the importance of telling stories from different cultures. The assembly can be delivered in its entirety or used in sections for tutor sessions and the extension activities would be perfect for a homework task.

Black Star is the British Film Institute’s celebration of the range, versatility and power of black actors on film and TV taking place nationwide and we’re delighted to be complementing their season with a programme of relevant films that resonate with our audience of 5-19 year olds. Embracing the BFI’s direction of illuminating on-screen talent, the films we’ve selected feature contemporary British stars of black heritage, as well as actors from the African diaspora and from throughout film history that demonstrate a real range and depth of storytelling.

Visit the following link for further details on the Black Star season: http://www.bfi.org.uk/black-star