WARNER BROS. Discovery Access have announced Terrie Aghaizu, Eden Igwe and Monique Needham as the filmmakers whose short films, that tell unique stories about the Black British experience, will be part of the 2023 edition of Black Britain Unspoken.
Launched in 2022, in partnership with industry charity Media Trust, Black Britain Unspoken, set out to give access and voice to Black British creatives as the industry continues to address the critical under-representation of Black talent in the screen industries in the UK; echoed by the latest Diamond report which states “the greatest area of concern for the industry is diversity off-screen.”*
Back for 2023, and as part of Warner Bros. Discovery Access, the talent development programme for under-represented creatives, Black Britain Unspoken has identified three more exciting filmmakers in Aghaizu, Igwe and Needham, selected from over 200 applicants and a successful pitch process to a judging panel featuring award-winning Director, Filmmaker and Writer Basma Khalifa.
The three short films; Alterior by Aghaizu, Beats From Heaven by Igwe and Food, Music & Vibes by Needham will now be produced with the support of Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Bounce Cinema, who join the programme in 2023 to provide production expertise, and launched on discovery+ during Black History Month this October.
Black Britain Unspoken will offer the filmmakers a pitch-to-production experience, and an opportunity to bring their creative vision to life.
With the support of Media Trust, they will also be offered professional development and tailored workshops focused on media training and career progression, alongside the production management and mentorship from Bounce Cinema and Warner Bros. Discovery U.K. & Ireland.
The inaugural series proved hugely successful, identifying three talented filmmakers and their inspiring short films; Richard Ampeh’s The Nod-Tell Me You Got Me, Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson’s Too Autistic For Black and Sheila Kayuma’s The Power Of Plantain. Since launch, the films have been screened at the International Shorts Festivals; The Nod – Tell Me You Got Me has been nominated for the Paris Short Film Festival, and both Tee Cee and Richard Ampeh were nominated for Debut Director – Unscripted at the Edinburgh TV Festival New Voices Awards.
Asif Sadiq, Chief Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: We are proud of Black Britain Unspoken; proud of what it stands for and seeks to achieve, and of the success that it has already demonstrated in identifying three unbelievably talented filmmakers in Richard Ampeh, Sheila Kayuma and Tee Cee Johnson.
“To launch for a second series, with an even broader support offer in partnership with Media Trust and Bounce Cinema, is so exciting. I am in awe of the creative talent that we’ve seen this year and delighted to announce our three 2023 Black Britain Unspoken filmmakers Terrie Aghaizu, Eden Igwe and Monique Needham.
“As industry data shows, there’s still a long way to go to create more opportunities for those representing diverse backgrounds, and to tell stories that all of our audiences can resonate with; no matter of age, gender or ethnicity. Black Britain Unspoken goes beyond advocacy and is focused on action that brings tangible changes, giving Black British filmmakers a strong voice and the relevant tools to enter the industry.
“We simply can’t wait to see these films and work with these hugely talented and inspirational creatives.”
For more information on Black Britain Unspoken visit WBD Access via https://www.warner- access.com/.
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