An evening curated by June Givanni, Pan African Film Archive. June will introduce the event, screening and panel of industry pioneers including Director and Writer Amani Naphtali, Executive Producer and Founder of Pocc Nana Bempah, Artist and Choreographer Ivan Blackstock and discussion chair Gaylene Gould, BFI Head of Cinema and Events.
The evening responds to the timely themes presented in the Get Up, Stand Up Now exhibition and how these ideas of Masquerade, Mothership and Dreams to Change the World are picking up pace in the field of creativity and culture, and creating boundless connections between artforms and ambitions.
Opening with a screening of Le Bohemian Noir et La Renaissance de L’Afrique made in 1990, directed by Amani Naphtali and taken from the Pan African Film Archive. The film evidences that creativity cannot be prescribed, predicted or contained within established artistic conventions; before the panel discuss the decades that followed and how each are determined to change the terms of the game and their place within it, for years to come.
BIOGRAPHIES
Chaired by Gaylene Gould
Gaylene Gould is a Creative Director, arts broadcaster and Cultural Ambassador for London appointed by the Mayor. Currently BFI Head of Cinemas and Events, she has spent over 25 years spearheading international arts initiatives across film, theatre, performance and digital practice. She is curator of the international project No Direct Flight which explores the effect of the internet on African diaspora filmmaking which touches down at the BFI in August 2019 and Nairobi and the US in the forthcoming year.
Amani Naphtali
Amani Naphtali is a trained dramatist, writer, director and filmmaker. He was the founder member and Director of the ground-breaking Double Edge Theatre co and is currently Artistic Director of Brixton Inclusive. He is a dedicated exponent of the African Ritualistic genre and a pioneer of Multi Genre interdisciplinary practice. He has directed musicals, films and dance productions. Including Le Bohemian Noir et la Renaissance de L’Afrique which will be screened at the event.
Nana Bempah
As an Executive Producer and Producer, Nana is passionate about pulling people together, connecting talent and creativity with opportunities. Previously heading up the film department at agency Cheil London, she was the youngest ever Head of TV and Content, responsible for award-winning moving image for a range of clients for four years. Building the department from the ground up in 2012, Nana revolutionized the agency’s approach to production. Nana has worked for several agencies and is currently working with production company, Prettybird.
As a person who makes things happen, in 2018, Nana founded Pocc – a community and members’ collective taking action to positively change the experiences of black and brown people in advertising. At the core of this 300 plus experienced and talented community is reciprocity; members share knowledge and experiences, collaborate on projects, elevate each other, offer support and provide a network to help navigate the advertising and creative industries landscape.
Ivan Blackstock
Born in Peckham, South London, artist, choreographer and innovator Ivan Blackstock began his career training at London Contemporary Dance School. He went on to work on music videos, advertising and dance productions with artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Rita Ora and will.i.am brands such as Adidas, Reebok, Guinness and Samsung. He also worked with many of the leading names in Hip Hop dance including ZooNation Dance Company, Jonzi D and Breakin Convention. After establishing a successful commercial career, Ivan co-founded BirdGang Dance Company and create his own work including the critically acclaimed production A Harlem Dream at The Young Vic, where he was appointed Associate Artist.
Most recently Ivan has been creating work via his artistic alter ego, SWNSNG. His work can be described as intense, highly political and thought- provoking dance theatre, and is increasingly developing multi-disciplinary work across film, music, dance and visual art. Ivan is Artistic Director of CRXSS PLATFXRM, a new arts organisation showcasing what’s next in Street Culture, funded by Arts Council England.
Curated by June Givanni
The June Givanni Pan African Cinema Archive (JGPACA) is a 30 year personal collection of films and film related materials which are used to provide events and information for public engagement with Pan African cinema. June’s vision is to provide resources for artistic and educational knowledge and appreciation of Pan African Cinema. JGPACA works to bring awareness to the contributions of black people to cinema as a story telling medium through curated programs in association with multi-disciplinary arts and community development principles locally, nationally and internationally.