READING Biscuit Factory (RBF) is celebrating Black History Month with a showcase of short-films and a range of feature-length screenings in collaboration with the British Film Institute and the University of Reading.
The venue is hosting a screening of Creative Connection’s Black History/Black Future Event, which will see short films by black film-makers supporting under-represented talent in the film industry on Thursday, October 12.
The event will feature Home Grown, directed by Corinne Walker, and Spin, produced by Dami Adeyeye, as well as a talk with Tianna Hanton about her experience creating the Central Club Mural in Reading.
All three of the film-makers will also be taking part in a Q&A session following the screening.
On Friday, October 13, RBF is showing Rye Lane, a feature-length romantic comedy directed by Raine Allen Miller.
The film follows Dom and Yas as they get even following difficult break-ups in a single day spent in south London.
The venue is also hosting an African Caribbean-themed drawing workshop, led by Patricia Lewis, from 2pm on Saturday, October 14.
Attendees will take part in still life drawing exploring home-making and heritage through items found in a traditional African home.
The venue will then host a Caribbean storytelling session straight after, led by author Marva Carty.
From 3.30pm, Ms Carty will read from her book Mari Loves Mangoes, and give an introduction on Caribbean influence on black British life in the UK.
Saturday, October 13, will also see the screening of Barrel Children, a documentary exploring the experience of Caribbean children who later joined parents who had moved to the UK during the 1950s and 1960s.
It features interviews with former “barrel children”, including Neil Kenlock, founder of Britain’s first black radio station, Choice FM, reggae producer Blacker Drear, and former BBC broadcaster Evadney Campbell MBE.
Barrel Children begins screening from 6pm.
Through A Different Lens produces and curates film events, offers on-set film-making support, and champions culturally underrepresented stories.
Full details of all of Reading Biscuit Factory’s events and access to tickets are available via: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Through A Different Lens Founder, producer, and curator Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins said: “I’m thrilled to have developed these events to highlight the creative community in Berkshire and more widely.
“With so many projects happening across the South East, sharing what it takes to make film whilst storytelling is an excellent way to bring people together.”
She explained: “Along with the films, some of the creative teams behind them will be sharing their insights into getting their projects made.
“In addition, we’ll be sharing stories from the lived Caribbean experience in the screening of the film Barrel Children plus a poetry reading and Q&A from author Pam Williams.
“We are looking forward to hosting the community this autumn and beyond.”
