News 4 October 2016
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Author: Alex Griffin

BFI launch UK’s biggest ever celebration of UK black actors, Blackstar

4 October 2016
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At a special event held at BFI Southbank in London with comedian Gina Yashere and DJ Norman Jay MBE, the BFI tonight unveiled Black Star, the UK’s biggest ever season of film and television dedicated to celebrating the range, versatility and power of black actors.


Black Star is a celebration of the range, versatility and power of black actors in film and TV, taking place in cinemas at BFI Southbank and nationwide, on DVD and on BFI Player.


It provides a meaningful and high-profile platform for audiences to explore a galaxy of black actors through history, spotlighting the creativity and charisma of trailblazing performers, and celebrating the transatlantic wave of black British talent currently breaking across our screens.


The campaign will be running between October 17 and December 31. It will feature films like Boyz In Da Hood returning to screens across the UK, talks and screening introductions from Norman Jay MBE in cities like London, Bristol and Manchester, across 90 locations.


Heather Stewart, Creative Director of the BFI said, “Imagine cinema history without Paul Robeson, Dorothy Dandridge, Sidney Poitier, Pam Grier, and Samuel L Jackson – some of the greatest actors to light up our screens with their charisma and talent.


“Now imagine how much richer our shared memory would be, had the opportunities available to black actors matched their abilities. With Black Star we are celebrating great performances and bringing them back to the big screen for everyone to enjoy.”


For more information on events and screenings, go to the Black Star website here.