Headfirst Editor's Pick
"Cables and Cameras return with the massive annual Inspired mini-fest, showcasing POC creatives and centring empowering narratives across a dazzling array of shorts, Q&As + the Bristol premiere of the definitive doc on dancehall queen Sister Nancy."
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A event held at The Cube on Saturday 5th July. The event starts at 14:15.
Inspired25 is a community film culture event created by Cables & Cameras. The exciting and mixed format programme is totally dedicated to presenting emerging, cutting edge and legendary filmmakers of colour. This year there is a strong emphasis on music with short films inspired by 'Beyond The Bassline' and the Bristol Premiere screening of Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story followed by a DJ set from Code Of The Street’s DJ Style.
* Day Session and Night Session. Get the amazing value Combo ticket or come for the afternoon or evening sessions *
** Details of all the films, talks and more below **
Join us to connect with a wealth of diverse, emerging moving image POC storytellers and gain invaluable in person insights from creatives. Immerse yourself in narratives that authentically reflect the experiences and perspectives of POC communities throughout the world. Be part of a vital platform amplifying underrepresented voices in cinema.
Day session programme preview:
- See an amazing selection of short films at the New Voices showcase. Hosted by Jnr Sunder with guest speaker Euella Jackson. This programme draws particular resonance from the "Beyond the Baseline" exhibition. - originally commissioned for the Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music exhibition at the British Library (2024)
- Take part in Reel Talk: Exploring Black Voices in Film. Hosted by Binge God this is a deep dive exploring how cinema is a platform for resistance, storytelling, and cultural affirmation for Black and Brown creatives.`
- Premiere of Hard Food plus a insightful conversation with the film's director Daniel Alexander. Hosted Adam Murry from Bristol Black Horror Club
Evening Session programme preview:
- A Bristol Premier of the feature film Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story (2024). Sister Nancy is a Jamaican dancehall DJ and singer. Known around the world as the first female dancehall DJ and a "dominating female voice for over two decades". She made the heavily inspirational 'Bam Bam' anthem which has become probably the most sampled reggae track of all time. Essential and uplifting viewing.
- DJ Style playing music in the bar area all evening.
Inspired25 is also all about actively encouraging and fostering community. To ensure the atmosphere is good we make it affordable, social. We also go deep into heartfelt issues and serious innovations and we make sure there is time for networking, and socialising
This is Inspired's 5th year. At its core, Inspired25 champions community, cultivates creativity, and contributes significantly to the legacy of POC cinema.
The event is held at the famous Cube Microplex, where Cables & Cameras first established itself. The Cube is a grassroots art centre with a beautiful inner city garden, cheap and ethical drinks and a huge screen and stage in a historic cinema space.
DAY PROGRAMME:
2pm - 6pm
New Voices Showcase:
This showcase features powerfully inspirational new short films from UK-based POC & Black and Brown filmmakers, meticulously curated to illuminate the rich tapestry and personal journeys and lived experiences across the UK. These works, often independently produced and brimming with conceptual daring, represent the vanguard of innovative storytelling. Join us for a unique opportunity to engage with these boundary-breaking creatives who are forging the future of cinema, followed by an insightful Q&A with Euella Jackson and hosted by Jnr Sunder and a chance to connect with the filmmakers shaping our cinematic landscape.
Film Information:
OF US
Director & Movement: Director: Liara Barussi / 3.min 33 seconds
Connecting ancestral legacies and the thread between body and memory, OF US honours the legacy of the UK’s Black diaspora through movement. Commissioned by Dr. Aleema Gray for the British Library and produced by Jukebox Collective, the film pays homage to Tiger Bay in Cardiff, South Wales, as one of the UK’s oldest Black communities, reflecting on the Atlantic Ocean and its place in the history of the Black diaspora.
DIY IN SPITE OF YOU
Directors: Yv Shells / Hannah Oliver / 6 mis 18 seconds
An art film that lives in the hustle of constant renaissance and the DIY ethics of Black British culture. Commissioned as an “interruption” to the space of the British Library in their 2024 Beyond the Bassline exhibition (the world’s first ever exhibition on Black British music history), the film asks how this 500 years of history can be accounted for in the face of its continual erasure and co-opting, what it means to step into institutional spaces as a Black artist … and to survive and thrive in spite of.
THE BUILDING
Director/Writer: Associate Professor Orson Nava (PhD) / 18 mins, 8 seconds
What happens when a high-powered company CEO becomes dependent on the AI that runs his office building? Who is actually in control, and does the artificial intelligence have a more developed moral sense than the man it 'serves'? Produced as a film practice as research project at Ravensbourne University, 'The Building' explores the ethical and personal issues raised by our increased dependence on technology.
CAPSULE
Director: Euella Jackson / 8 mins 19 seconds
Capsule explores our relationship to the environment through the bond between a child and their grandparent and delves into our collective responsibility to each other, while capturing the power of dreams. Inspired by a conversation with his ill grandmother, 8-year-old Jay embarks on his most exciting adventure yet: making a special gift for their housing estate.
EMPTY YOUR POCKET
Director : Tara Aghdashloo / 19 mins 58 seconds
Hassan is an airport customs officer who needs a salary advance to buy his mother’s medication. While dealing with various passengers, the dark side of his job becomes clear. Ultimately Hassan must decide what matters to him the most, and at what cost. @emptyyourpocketsfilm
IWOYA: IN THE ECHO
Director : Tayo Rapoport and Rohan Ayinde / 9 mins 19 seconds
Exploring Black British music as a force for community and transformation in an Afro-surrealist voyage through vision and sound. Descending through a black hole into radical imaginings shaped by Black British music, multidisciplinary artist Rohan Ayinde and director and installation artist Tayo Rapoport initiate an Afro-surrealist journey into the past, the present, and the reparative potential of the future.
REEL TALK: EXPLORING BLACK VOICES IN FILM
BINGE GOD is a passionate content creator who transformed a childhood spent grounded and binge-watching TV into an online brand. With a natural flair for expressing strong opinions on shows and movies, and a background in writing, branding, and social media, Ore Ige launched BINGE GOD in 2019. He continues to entertain audiences with his engaging rants and reviews.
The talk will delve into how Black filmmakers and actors have used cinema as a platform for resistance, storytelling, and cultural affirmation. It explores the evolution of Black voices in film, highlighting key moments, artists, and movies that have made an impact on the medium, the industry, and audiences.
www.bingegod.com
HARD FOOD+ In Conversation with Daniel Alexander and Adam Murry
Join Birmingham-based award-winning director and BAFTA Crew x BFI Network filmmaker Daniel Alexander. We will explore and deep dive into the legacy of one of Birmingham's most respected directors in the West Midlands. We will discuss the 1 million views of the GALE trailer and find out how Legacy, Birmingham's first Grime & Rap Documentary, turned into an Orchestra. If that's not enough, we have the premiere of Daniel's BFI film Hard Food starring Judith Jacob (from Eastenders).
HARD FOOD PREMIERE Director: Daniel Alexander Starring: Jayden Hanley (Phoenix Rose) and Judith Jacob (Eastenders)
A chance encounter born of desperation sparks an unexpected connection between Ricky, a young man adrift and searching for his place, and Violet, an elder woman whose kitchen is a gateway to a rich Jamaican heritage. What starts with a stolen bottle of milk blossoms into a surprising friendship that transcends generations. "Hard Food" is a stirring tale of how cultural heritage and human connection can nourish the soul and redefine who we are.
NIGHT PROGRAMME:
Doors: 7.30pm. Feature Film starts at 8pm. DJ Style from 7.30pm.
BAM BAM: THE SISTER NANCY STORY
Director: Alison Duke / 1 hour 28 mins
An uplifting and rebel music documentary about Jamaica's dancehall DJ and singer Sister Nancy and her world famous “Bam Bam” track.
Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” track has been part of our collective consciousness for over 40 years, its the most sampled dancehall track of time. This fun, inspirational documentary showcases Sister Nancy's resilience through dynamic tour performances, interviews, archival footage, and reenactments. It features Janelle Monae, Pete Rock, Main Source and Soul Syndicate.
“Award-winning filmmaker Alison Duke (Black Community Mixtapes) mixes dynamic tour performances, insightful interviews and archival footage of the early dancehall scene to create a comprehensive portrait of Sister Nancy's enduring prominence in reggae and hip hop. Her music transcends boundaries, resonating with diverse audiences around the globe, from reggae and hip-hop enthusiasts to gamers and music lovers. Entertaining and empowering, Sister Nancy's story proves that great music overcomes obstacles and that staying true to oneself is the key to success -- both in the music industry and in life.” - Rotten Tomatoes
In an industry notorious for silencing female artists. Sister Nancy is hell-bent on empowering others with her music and knowledge to make a difference—proving that good music can't be stopped!
Cables & Cameras Inspired25 closes out with DJ Style from Code of the Streets bringing a unparalleled mixtape session featuring a seamless blend of reggae, hip hop, and R&B.
The BFI Inclusion team are principal sponsor of Inspired25
Entry requirements: 18+
* Day Session and Night Session. Get the amazing value Combo ticket or come for the afternoon or evening sessions *
** Details of all the films, talks and more below **
Join us to connect with a wealth of diverse, emerging moving image POC storytellers and gain invaluable in person insights from creatives. Immerse yourself in narratives that authentically reflect the experiences and perspectives of POC communities throughout the world. Be part of a vital platform amplifying underrepresented voices in cinema.
Day session programme preview:
- See an amazing selection of short films at the New Voices showcase. Hosted by Jnr Sunder with guest speaker Euella Jackson. This programme draws particular resonance from the "Beyond the Baseline" exhibition. - originally commissioned for the Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music exhibition at the British Library (2024)
- Take part in Reel Talk: Exploring Black Voices in Film. Hosted by Binge God this is a deep dive exploring how cinema is a platform for resistance, storytelling, and cultural affirmation for Black and Brown creatives.`
- Premiere of Hard Food plus a insightful conversation with the film's director Daniel Alexander. Hosted Adam Murry from Bristol Black Horror Club
Evening Session programme preview:
- A Bristol Premier of the feature film Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story (2024). Sister Nancy is a Jamaican dancehall DJ and singer. Known around the world as the first female dancehall DJ and a "dominating female voice for over two decades". She made the heavily inspirational 'Bam Bam' anthem which has become probably the most sampled reggae track of all time. Essential and uplifting viewing.
- DJ Style playing music in the bar area all evening.
Inspired25 is also all about actively encouraging and fostering community. To ensure the atmosphere is good we make it affordable, social. We also go deep into heartfelt issues and serious innovations and we make sure there is time for networking, and socialising
This is Inspired's 5th year. At its core, Inspired25 champions community, cultivates creativity, and contributes significantly to the legacy of POC cinema.
The event is held at the famous Cube Microplex, where Cables & Cameras first established itself. The Cube is a grassroots art centre with a beautiful inner city garden, cheap and ethical drinks and a huge screen and stage in a historic cinema space.
DAY PROGRAMME:
2pm - 6pm
New Voices Showcase:
This showcase features powerfully inspirational new short films from UK-based POC & Black and Brown filmmakers, meticulously curated to illuminate the rich tapestry and personal journeys and lived experiences across the UK. These works, often independently produced and brimming with conceptual daring, represent the vanguard of innovative storytelling. Join us for a unique opportunity to engage with these boundary-breaking creatives who are forging the future of cinema, followed by an insightful Q&A with Euella Jackson and hosted by Jnr Sunder and a chance to connect with the filmmakers shaping our cinematic landscape.
Film Information:
OF US
Director & Movement: Director: Liara Barussi / 3.min 33 seconds
Connecting ancestral legacies and the thread between body and memory, OF US honours the legacy of the UK’s Black diaspora through movement. Commissioned by Dr. Aleema Gray for the British Library and produced by Jukebox Collective, the film pays homage to Tiger Bay in Cardiff, South Wales, as one of the UK’s oldest Black communities, reflecting on the Atlantic Ocean and its place in the history of the Black diaspora.
DIY IN SPITE OF YOU
Directors: Yv Shells / Hannah Oliver / 6 mis 18 seconds
An art film that lives in the hustle of constant renaissance and the DIY ethics of Black British culture. Commissioned as an “interruption” to the space of the British Library in their 2024 Beyond the Bassline exhibition (the world’s first ever exhibition on Black British music history), the film asks how this 500 years of history can be accounted for in the face of its continual erasure and co-opting, what it means to step into institutional spaces as a Black artist … and to survive and thrive in spite of.
THE BUILDING
Director/Writer: Associate Professor Orson Nava (PhD) / 18 mins, 8 seconds
What happens when a high-powered company CEO becomes dependent on the AI that runs his office building? Who is actually in control, and does the artificial intelligence have a more developed moral sense than the man it 'serves'? Produced as a film practice as research project at Ravensbourne University, 'The Building' explores the ethical and personal issues raised by our increased dependence on technology.
CAPSULE
Director: Euella Jackson / 8 mins 19 seconds
Capsule explores our relationship to the environment through the bond between a child and their grandparent and delves into our collective responsibility to each other, while capturing the power of dreams. Inspired by a conversation with his ill grandmother, 8-year-old Jay embarks on his most exciting adventure yet: making a special gift for their housing estate.
EMPTY YOUR POCKET
Director : Tara Aghdashloo / 19 mins 58 seconds
Hassan is an airport customs officer who needs a salary advance to buy his mother’s medication. While dealing with various passengers, the dark side of his job becomes clear. Ultimately Hassan must decide what matters to him the most, and at what cost. @emptyyourpocketsfilm
IWOYA: IN THE ECHO
Director : Tayo Rapoport and Rohan Ayinde / 9 mins 19 seconds
Exploring Black British music as a force for community and transformation in an Afro-surrealist voyage through vision and sound. Descending through a black hole into radical imaginings shaped by Black British music, multidisciplinary artist Rohan Ayinde and director and installation artist Tayo Rapoport initiate an Afro-surrealist journey into the past, the present, and the reparative potential of the future.
REEL TALK: EXPLORING BLACK VOICES IN FILM
BINGE GOD is a passionate content creator who transformed a childhood spent grounded and binge-watching TV into an online brand. With a natural flair for expressing strong opinions on shows and movies, and a background in writing, branding, and social media, Ore Ige launched BINGE GOD in 2019. He continues to entertain audiences with his engaging rants and reviews.
The talk will delve into how Black filmmakers and actors have used cinema as a platform for resistance, storytelling, and cultural affirmation. It explores the evolution of Black voices in film, highlighting key moments, artists, and movies that have made an impact on the medium, the industry, and audiences.
www.bingegod.com
HARD FOOD+ In Conversation with Daniel Alexander and Adam Murry
Join Birmingham-based award-winning director and BAFTA Crew x BFI Network filmmaker Daniel Alexander. We will explore and deep dive into the legacy of one of Birmingham's most respected directors in the West Midlands. We will discuss the 1 million views of the GALE trailer and find out how Legacy, Birmingham's first Grime & Rap Documentary, turned into an Orchestra. If that's not enough, we have the premiere of Daniel's BFI film Hard Food starring Judith Jacob (from Eastenders).
HARD FOOD PREMIERE Director: Daniel Alexander Starring: Jayden Hanley (Phoenix Rose) and Judith Jacob (Eastenders)
A chance encounter born of desperation sparks an unexpected connection between Ricky, a young man adrift and searching for his place, and Violet, an elder woman whose kitchen is a gateway to a rich Jamaican heritage. What starts with a stolen bottle of milk blossoms into a surprising friendship that transcends generations. "Hard Food" is a stirring tale of how cultural heritage and human connection can nourish the soul and redefine who we are.
NIGHT PROGRAMME:
Doors: 7.30pm. Feature Film starts at 8pm. DJ Style from 7.30pm.
BAM BAM: THE SISTER NANCY STORY
Director: Alison Duke / 1 hour 28 mins
An uplifting and rebel music documentary about Jamaica's dancehall DJ and singer Sister Nancy and her world famous “Bam Bam” track.
Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” track has been part of our collective consciousness for over 40 years, its the most sampled dancehall track of time. This fun, inspirational documentary showcases Sister Nancy's resilience through dynamic tour performances, interviews, archival footage, and reenactments. It features Janelle Monae, Pete Rock, Main Source and Soul Syndicate.
“Award-winning filmmaker Alison Duke (Black Community Mixtapes) mixes dynamic tour performances, insightful interviews and archival footage of the early dancehall scene to create a comprehensive portrait of Sister Nancy's enduring prominence in reggae and hip hop. Her music transcends boundaries, resonating with diverse audiences around the globe, from reggae and hip-hop enthusiasts to gamers and music lovers. Entertaining and empowering, Sister Nancy's story proves that great music overcomes obstacles and that staying true to oneself is the key to success -- both in the music industry and in life.” - Rotten Tomatoes
In an industry notorious for silencing female artists. Sister Nancy is hell-bent on empowering others with her music and knowledge to make a difference—proving that good music can't be stopped!
Cables & Cameras Inspired25 closes out with DJ Style from Code of the Streets bringing a unparalleled mixtape session featuring a seamless blend of reggae, hip hop, and R&B.
The BFI Inclusion team are principal sponsor of Inspired25
Entry requirements: 18+