It is a beautiful celebration of Black, working-class youth and supportive family and community. 75 minutes of optimism and self-confidence are captured in this documentary to be released in the UK on 7 July. Directed by Shamira Raphaëla, and awarded Best Youth Documentary, IDFA 2021, “Shabu”, is a hilarious, […]
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Portugal and its disturbing nostalgia for the Empire
History must not be erased we are told, when a slaver’s statue is taken down. Here a mythical history is still being created to preserve the happy colonial family image created during Salazar’s dictatorship. And education is schools still masks the reality of a brutal colonialism.
Chaplin… always Chaplin
On stage for the first time at five years old standing in for his mother when she was ill. From this experience, he discovered not just the way to earn a lifelong living, but the way to fame. Ibis Frade He was 20 years old when he created […]
From Art Cinema to Iranian execution list
“Religion overcasts on Iran’s sky like an octopus and people are controlled like stitch dolls, if anybody speaks something athwart is condemned to execution and easily done so”, says this Iranian independent film maker. Shanta Sultana The melancholy director, a campaigner for women’s right and secular democracy in […]
Human rights on the big screen
The determination and courage of people to stand up for their freedom and rights is the driving force behind the films that will be shown at the 23rd edition of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in London. This year’s programme spotlights the risks taken by land defenders, the […]