BUFF awards 2021 honours the life of Menelik Shabazz

THIS YEAR’S seventh annual British Urban Film Festival awards was the climax to BUFF 2021 – the first under the stewardship of new director Justin Chinyere.

Actor, writer and director Femi Oyeniran hosted proceedings with guest presenters including previous BUFF winners Ruby Barker, James Webber and Stephan Pierre-Mitchell as well as actors David Ajala, Andre Fyffe and Arnold Oceng.

This year’s honorary award was presented by comedian and host Mr Cee and received by actor and poet Victor Richards (Streets Paved with Gold) on behalf of the family of Menelik Shabazz.

The acclaimed film director and co-founder of Black Filmmaker Magazine (BFM) passed away in June at the age of 67.

BUFF Awards 2021

Among those who paid tribute in a short film shown on the night were Jonte Richardson, Executive Producer of the Screen Nation Black British Film and Television Awards; Brian Bovell; Judith Jacob; Dotun Adebayo; Eddie Kadi; Donna Spence and BUFF founder Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe who started his film career at Black Filmmaker Magazine two decades ago.

Speaking to the Voice Founder and Co-Chair, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe Esq. MBE, said nothing would ever deter BUFF from taking place.

“The relevance of BUFF was clear for all to see for those who were in attendance at the awards in Peckham.

“Together with those who attended the screenings in Brixton, the festival is a constant reminder that in spite of the daily challenges faced by creatives in the industry, BUFF will continue to shine a light on the talented men and women who continue to tell their stories, without permission, in spite of those challenges.

“It is a responsibility that my successor Justin Chinyere won’t take lightly as BUFF turns 17.”

Director – Duaine Carma Roberts

The event was staged at the Peckhamplex cinema in South London.

Results:

Best Short Film Nominees
Presented by James Webber
1: Baby Boy (directed by Greg Hall)
2: Officer Down (directed by Simon Pearce)
3: Just Delivered (directed by Rosie Gaunt-Mathieson)
4: The Gospel According to Gail (directed by Florence Winter-Hill) – WINNER

The Blessing Anyiam-Osigwe Award: Best Actress Nominees
Presented by Ruby Barker
1: Ophelia J Wisdom (Navy) – WINNER
2: Ava Ghir (Unintentionhell)
3: Bukky Bakray (The Gospel According to Gail)
4: Maia Watkins (Just Delivered)

Best Actor Nominees
Presented by David Ajala
1: Rez Kabir (Unintentionhell)
2: Martin Delaney (Officer Down)
3: Emiko (Navy)
4: George Russo (Baby Boy) – WINNER

The Victor Adebodun Award: Best Feature Nominees
Presented by Arnold Oceng
1: Navy (directed by Duaine Carma Roberts) – WINNER
2: Unintentionhell (directed by Balbeer Bahl)
3: I Want Out (directed by Samuel Adigun)
4: Black Mail (directed by Obi Emelonye)

Best Documentary Nominees
Presented by Stephan Pierre Mitchell and Andre Fyffe
1: Ultraviolence (directed by Ken Fero) – WINNER
2: Black Creative (directed by Meena Ayittey)
3: Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power (directed by Abby Ginzberg)
4: Ain’t Your Mama’s Heatwave (directed by Elijah Karriem)

Best Script Award recipients:
Presented by Clare Anyiam-Osigwe
1: Ben Johnson Day by Kerena Merchant – WINNER
2: Six Triple Eight by Mary McCallum – WINNER
3: For you I Found by Kate Watson-Cougle – WINNER

British Urban Film Festival Honorary Award recipient
Presented by Mr Cee
Menelik Shabazz (1954-2021)

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