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Black History Film Screenings

Join our mailing list to keep up to date with the latest Black films. Black History Walks curates powerful African diaspora films all year long. Come down to one of our 17 year old Odysseys monthly film and Q&A sessions. BHW was Activist in Residence at UCL Sarah Parker Remond Centre (2021)

Our Black history walks and tours link directly to films as people often want more information after doing a walk .2024 marks 17 years of our monthly African Odysseys film shows. It is the only such programme in the country. Read our book ‘Black History Walks in London Volume 1′ for a brief history of Black film exhibition HERE

Search for ‘African Odysseys’ on this website for our latest film. Watch trailers, read reviews and book your place at venues such as the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley and the British Film Institute (BFI) in Southbank or sometimes online.

Our film showings are often accompanied by talks, workshops and Q&As. For those seriously into film history our 13 year archive of previously shown films is an excellent resource for fans looking for their next movie on Black history

Traditional african garb
Toussaint on a horse

Black History Walks has over 20 years’ experience managing film exhibitions and talks. The African Odysseys film programme at the British Film Institute is the only one of its kind in the country. No other cinema offers a monthly showing of Black films plus a Q&A session. The programme has proven hugely successful over the last 17 years and has created an impressive archive of general history, film history and recorded Q&As with directors, actors and producers.

You can see some of our recorded post film Q&As on our Youtube page here.

Join our free mailing list to receive notifications about upcoming films and film events in the city.
Black History Walks in London Volume 1 is out now from Jacaranda Books and Audible

Upcoming & Past Films

Night of the Kings plus Q&A

Saturday 13 July 2pm
Plus intro and panel discussion on the role of the Griot A young man is sent to “La Maca,” a prison in the middle of the Ivorian forest ruled by…
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Io Capitan

Monday 17 June 6pm
Plus introduction and Q&A Me Captain’ in Italian is a 2023 drama film directed by Matteo Garrone, from a screenplay written by Garrone with Massimo Gaudioso, Massimo Ceccherini and Andrea Tagliaferri.[3] The film, an international…
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Polisario

Saturday 15 June 2pm
Fantastic 1978 film by Med Hondo. The first documentary about a war that has been going on for decades in the Sahara Desert between Morocco and a rebel army known…
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James Baldwin Plaque Unveiling

Friday 17 May 10am
James Baldwin author, poet and activist is a legendary figure in literature and US Civil Rights history. He marched with Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, debated at Cambridge, argued…
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Bushman (restored from 1971)

Saturday 11th May 2pm
Restored: Bushman + intro with Journey Mercies director Tomisin Adepeju Combining drama and documentary, Bushman follows the fate of a youth, escaping from Civil War in Nigeria and arriving in California at the tail end of…
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Omen Augure plus Q&A with Director Baloji

Friday 26th April 6pm
African Odysseys presents Preview: Omen  This magical realist tale navigates the divide between reality and sorcery, creating a distinctive and often impressionistic portrait of domestic and communal life. Koffi, a young…
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Origin, Ava Duvernay Preview

Monday 4th March 17.50
Preview: Origin Mon 4 Mar 17:50 NFT1 USA 2023. Director Ava DuVernay. With Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Niecy Nash-Betts, Jon Bernthal. 141min. Digital. 12A. A Black Bear Pictures release. Audio Description available.…
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Nikki Giovanni: Going to Mars

Saturday 2nd March 2pm
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project + Q&A with musician and activist Chardine Taylor-Stone & guests tbc Legendary poet and activist Nikki Giovanni reflects on the trials and achievements…
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Terry Jervis: from Hackney to Hollywood

Saturday 24th February 2pm
Talk with Terry Jervis plus screening of his film ‘Raising Tennis Aces’, the Venus and Serena Williams story Plus online guests: Richard Williams – father and former business manager, and coach…
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Harry Belafonte Season at BFI Southbank

All December 2023
Harry Belafonte: Movies, Race, Defiance @British Film Institute This African Odysseys season celebrates the life and work of the legendary actor, singer, producer and activist. Across a 70-year career in…
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Mami Wata, Special screening plus Q&A

Saturday 18 November 2pm
Preview: Mami Wata + intro & panel discussion with director C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi and producer Oge Obasi and Dr Michelle Asantewa This Sundance winner navigates the conflict between tradition and…
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Ama, an African Voyage of Discovery

Saturday 16th September 4.30pm
+ intro by His Excellency Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Ghana’s High Commissioner and Q&A with actor Georgina Ackerman and director Kwesi Owusu hosted by film lecturer, Imruh Bakari @ the British Film…
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Sembene Season, 33 films @BFI Southbank

Saturday 5th August 2pm
Sembène! + panel discussion Sembene season 33 films throughout August full details at www.bfi.org.uk A comprehensive portrait of Senegalese polymath Ousmane Sembène who helped transform African cinema.Director Samba Gadjigo, Jason…
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Passing Through (2pm) and Wattstax (6.10pm)

Saturday July 22nd 2pm and 6.10pm
Passing Through + intro & Q&A A musician, newly released from prison, searches for his musical mentor and defies showbiz mobsters.Director Larry Clark. Wattstax;  Isaac Hayes, The Staples Singers and…
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Being Blacker

Monday 19 June 2pm
Being Blacker + intro and Q&A with Molly Dineen and Blacker Dread BAFTA-winning filmmaker Molly Dineen returns to the subject of her first documentary, Blacker Dread. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker and…
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Le Chevalier @BFI Southbank (African Odysseys)

Thursday 1st June 6.20pm
Kelvin Harrison Jr. is sensational in this new film inspired by the hidden history of African-French composer Joseph Bologne. Director: Stephen Williams With Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton,…
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Reviews of Black History Walks, Tours & Talks

Don’t miss out some of the most fascinating and historically interesting events in London. Sign up to our free newsletter for updates on coming events or book one of our walks and talks today!

It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it for all

A brisk, informative stroll through the heart of the British Empire. Our cheerful and intellectually generous tour guide, led us through narrow alleyways and past Roman ruins, within halls constructed by powerful guilds; in the process, he revealed to us both the many layers of British history and the often unacknowledged cultural multiplicity at its core. The tour was exciting, informative and allowed everyone across age, interest, and temperament to participate and learn. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it for all.

Professor Caroline Brown, University of Montreal, Canada

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T11:38:44+01:00

Professor Caroline Brown, University of Montreal, Canada

A brisk, informative stroll through the heart of the British Empire. Our cheerful and intellectually generous tour guide, led us through narrow alleyways and past Roman ruins, within halls constructed by powerful guilds; in the process, he revealed to us both the many layers of British history and the often unacknowledged cultural multiplicity at its core. The tour was exciting, informative and allowed everyone across age, interest, and temperament to participate and learn. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it for all.

A truly inspiring day

A truly inspiring day, filled with information I may have NEVER been aware of, if it was not for attending this walk. The friendly intellectually amazing tour guide relayed facts that I would have had to research for months to be aware of. I would URGE any and everyone, of all ages to attend - a great, fun, educational day out.

Isschara Maxine, London

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T11:44:18+01:00

Isschara Maxine, London

A truly inspiring day, filled with information I may have NEVER been aware of, if it was not for attending this walk. The friendly intellectually amazing tour guide relayed facts that I would have had to research for months to be aware of. I would URGE any and everyone, of all ages to attend - a great, fun, educational day out.

Extremely informative and made it seem all really relevant

I just wanted to let you know that the students REALLY enjoyed the tour yesterday. I polled them in class and everyone overwhelmingly had positive things to say. They particularly enjoyed how you incorporated modern day information into the tour. They said it was extremely informative and made it seem all really relevant. And today it was great listening to them as they walked around central London, noticing some of the things you'd pointed out. So, your work was very well received. Well done and thank you!

Lori Tharps, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Journalism, Temple University, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T12:12:20+01:00

Lori Tharps, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Journalism, Temple University, USA

I just wanted to let you know that the students REALLY enjoyed the tour yesterday. I polled them in class and everyone overwhelmingly had positive things to say. They particularly enjoyed how you incorporated modern day information into the tour. They said it was extremely informative and made it seem all really relevant. And today it was great listening to them as they walked around central London, noticing some of the things you'd pointed out. So, your work was very well received. Well done and thank you!

Best element of the trip

You may hear this often, but many of my students named your tour as the best element of the trip last time.

Nancy Comerau, Assistant Professor of English, Ohio Wesleyan University, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T12:28:53+01:00

Nancy Comerau, Assistant Professor of English, Ohio Wesleyan University, USA

You may hear this often, but many of my students named your tour as the best element of the trip last time.

Absolutely brilliant lecture and walk yesterday

Absolutely brilliant lecture and walk yesterday. Students were really energized. Thanks so much.

Bill Mullen, Professor of English and American Studies, Purdue University, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:27:53+01:00

Bill Mullen, Professor of English and American Studies, Purdue University, USA

Absolutely brilliant lecture and walk yesterday. Students were really energized. Thanks so much.

A rich and detailed learning experience

Our guide's encyclopedic knowledge of the area, and his passion for black history, made for a rich and detailed learning experience. He was friendly and engaging, frequently involving the students in dialogue and relating his points to places and subjects that are familiar to them. The students were fascinated throughout and learned a great deal. We recommend this tour most highly!

Rebecca Whisnant, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Director of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Dayton, USA

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:28:21+01:00

Rebecca Whisnant, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Director of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Dayton, USA

Our guide's encyclopedic knowledge of the area, and his passion for black history, made for a rich and detailed learning experience. He was friendly and engaging, frequently involving the students in dialogue and relating his points to places and subjects that are familiar to them. The students were fascinated throughout and learned a great deal. We recommend this tour most highly!

The children talk about it for a long time afterwards

I would really like to book two black history walk dates around St Pauls and the Barbican for our two year 6 classes. We have done them for the last two years and the children always learn such a lot and talk about it for a long time afterwards.

Helen Davies, Head of Year 6, John Scurr School, Tower Hamlets

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:29:08+01:00

Helen Davies, Head of Year 6, John Scurr School, Tower Hamlets

I would really like to book two black history walk dates around St Pauls and the Barbican for our two year 6 classes. We have done them for the last two years and the children always learn such a lot and talk about it for a long time afterwards.

I could not have asked for a better supplement to my Sociology course on race, identity, and culture

Thank you for organizing a wonderful walking tour for my students. You are incredibly knowledgeable, and it was such a joy to hear your take on things. The students loved this field trip. You did an excellent job relating the history, culture, and social contributions of Black and Afro-Caribbean people in a fun and lively way while still emphasizing the seriousness and importance of this often overlooked aspect of British life. I could not have asked for a better supplement to my Sociology course on race, identity, and culture. I really appreciate you helping make the class so special and look forward to arranging another.

William Force, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Western New England University

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:31:05+01:00

William Force, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Western New England University

Thank you for organizing a wonderful walking tour for my students. You are incredibly knowledgeable, and it was such a joy to hear your take on things. The students loved this field trip. You did an excellent job relating the history, culture, and social contributions of Black and Afro-Caribbean people in a fun and lively way while still emphasizing the seriousness and importance of this often overlooked aspect of British life. I could not have asked for a better supplement to my Sociology course on race, identity, and culture. I really appreciate you helping make the class so special and look forward to arranging another.

Engaging, moving, will keep you asking more questions.

What an amazing tour! It completely moved me to rethink the intricate web of social, economic and political relations that characterize British imperial rule and racial politics. Engaging, moving, will keep you asking more questions. The best way to get to know London.

Alai Reyes-Santos, Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of Oregon

Black History Walks
5
2020-07-15T13:32:29+01:00

Alai Reyes-Santos, Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of Oregon

What an amazing tour! It completely moved me to rethink the intricate web of social, economic and political relations that characterize British imperial rule and racial politics. Engaging, moving, will keep you asking more questions. The best way to get to know London.

Nothing but positive feedback

The audience and the panellists had some incredibly positive feedback about your presentation. It went down so well and was a brilliant combination of information, revelation and humour. There were also a number of attendees whose firms or companies had organised a Black History Walk with yourself and also had nothing but positive feedback

Sharon Takhar, Origin Network, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

Black History Walks
5
2020-08-19T16:34:16+01:00

Sharon Takhar, Origin Network, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

The audience and the panellists had some incredibly positive feedback about your presentation. It went down so well and was a brilliant combination of information, revelation and humour. There were also a number of attendees whose firms or companies had organised a Black History Walk with yourself and also had nothing but positive feedback

I cannot recommend BHW highly enough for a school visit

We are studying Migrants in Britain with Edexcel, and to participate in a workshop/talk from one of the authors of the Pearson textbook was a fantastic learning opportunity for our students. His insight and in-depth knowledge of Notting Hill combined with his well-pitched and flexible delivery meant our students were fully engaged for three full hours, which is some feat! They loved the many jokes and links to their own music tastes, and I am confident that they will retain more knowledge for the final exam thanks to his input. I have rebooked for next year.

Penny Tosney, Head of History - Sheringham High School, Norfolk

Black History Walks
5
2023-07-28T23:23:42+01:00

Penny Tosney, Head of History - Sheringham High School, Norfolk

We are studying Migrants in Britain with Edexcel, and to participate in a workshop/talk from one of the authors of the Pearson textbook was a fantastic learning opportunity for our students. His insight and in-depth knowledge of Notting Hill combined with his well-pitched and flexible delivery meant our students were fully engaged for three full hours, which is some feat! They loved the many jokes and links to their own music tastes, and I am confident that they will retain more knowledge for the final exam thanks to his input. I have rebooked for next year.
5
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Black History Walks

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