Classic film by the legendary Sir Horace Ove about race, class, politics, history in 1980s England, plus talk on his legacy and film exhibition
This special African Odysseys event is presented as part of Windrush International Caribbean Film Festival for the 20th anniversary of African Odysseys monthly Black history film series
PIONEERS — CHANGING THE GAME —
The official WICFF Opening celebrates pioneering Black British filmmaker Sir Horace Ové with a special presentation of his much-loved comedy Playing Away.
Following a West Indian cricket team from Brixton as they travel to play in an English village, the film uses cricket, humour and culture clash to explore Britishness, belonging and identity. Script by Professor Caryl Phillips, starring Norman Beaton, Gary Beadle, Brian Bovell, Joseph Marcell,Ross Kemp and Neil Morissey
Ové’s work is placed in conversation with a new generation through Ackee and Saltfish, directed by UK filmmakers Jasmin Nunes, and Breath of Another, directed by Sheridan Seraphin.
PLUS At 5pm on the same day at the same venue
A double bill of Black athletic excellence Redefined PLUS Breaking Barriers: The Paula Dunn Olympic Story, from sprinter to Head Coach UK
REDEFINED — COLOUR. CREED. COUNTRY. A Feature Documentary Exploring 200+ Years of British Boxing. Presented by Spencer Fearon. Produced by EyesOnThePies. Watch trailer HERE
A cinematic exploration of 200 years of British boxing history, tracing the untold legacy of Black fighters who shaped the sport — from its earliest pioneers to the modern generation . Redefined examines how Black British fighters have shaped the identity, culture, and global perception of British boxing since the 1800s. Beginning with early pioneers Bill Richmond and Tom Molineaux, the film moves through the evolution of the sport as a mirror of British society — capturing how boxing became one of the most powerful spaces for working-class and Black British visibility, identity, and mobility. Blending cinematic storytelling, rare archival material, and first-hand testimony, Redefined presents boxing not just as a sport, but as a cultural force that has shaped music, fashion, language, and British identity itself.
It explores:
● Race, identity, and representation in British boxing
● The role of gyms, trainers, and communities as cultural institutions
● The evolution of heavyweight boxing as a symbol of national identity
● The intersection of boxing with music, fashion, and street culture
● The passing of legacy from one generation to the next
CONTRIBUTORS ● Spencer Fearon ● Johnny Nelson ● Daniel Dubois ● Don Charles ● Frank Smith ● Anthony Crolla ● Pat Barrett ● Ambrose Mendy ● Khaleel Majid ● Mick Jelley ● Luke G. Williams. Tony Warner
Breaking Barriers: The Paula Dunn Story is a powerful documentary directed by Kane Dunn, son of Paula; 1988 Olympic sprinter, five time Commonwealth Games medallist and the first Black female Head Coach of UK Athletics.
Director’s Statement: “We set out to not just tell the story of an incredible coach and athlete, but to reflect on my own personal experience as the child of someone who defied the odds. This documentary is a tribute to my mother’s strength, perseverance, and the way she reshaped British athletics. It’s been an emotional journey, and I’m honored to share it with the world.
Other coming events ww.blackhistorywalks.co.uk HERE
- 60 years of Black British Civil Rights Professor Gus John
- Black history Bus tour/ Steam train trip
- Frantz Fanon weekender
- 20 years of African Odysseys: 19,000 people and racism @BFI
- Black Women and Film Exhibition
- Graphic Novels: Publishing Black History and movies
- Mayfair, Hackney, Notting Hill, Southbank, Trafalgar Square, Regents Canal and Soho walks
- In search of Mami Wata : African Spirituality
- Black Liverpool film and book launch with Professor Stephen Small
- The Price of Memory. Reparations @Bernie Grant Arts centre
- I fought the law and I won, a Black judge of 60 years of Equality legislation @BCA