The New Black Film Collective, in partnership with Black History Studies, presents an educating and empowering panel that will discuss the life and influence of the American writer James Baldwin from multiple perspectives.  

Taking inspiration from Dick Fontaine’s I Heard It Through the Grapevine, a film which chronicles James Baldwin’s return to key sites of the Civil Rights Movement in the South, this session will delve into the works and impact of Baldwin throughout his lifetime. The speakers will include: Priscilla Igwe (The New Black Film Collective), Charmaine Simpson (Black History Studies) and Hakeem Kazeem (The Batty Mama).

Founded in 2013, The New Black Film Collective exists to create and cultivate a vibrant Black ecosystem in the UK film and TV sector by championing Black-led film production, distribution, exhibition and preserving Black filmmaking and television. Contributing will be members from Black History Studies whose mission is to develop, organise and promote educational programmes, events and activities for individuals, organisations and others interested in Black History and Black Studies.