Black History Month is a moment to collectively highlight and celebrate African and Caribbean contributions to British society and culture.

Watershed programmes work all year round that is rich with diverse cultural perspectives and representative of the people living and working around us. This includes an ongoing commitment to working with and for the Black communities of Bristol and beyond.

Here are a few highlights of events and screenings that are happening during Black History Month 2024 at Watershed which offer audiences an opportunity to engage with Black creatives and their stories, both historical and contemporary. 

Black Bristol on Film

Sun 27 Oct 14:30

Presented in partnership with FAM Films, Black Bristol on Film is a lineup of short films which delve deep into the rich and complex history of Bristol's Black community: a community forged in resistance against racial injustice.

This programme invites you on a cinematic journey with that community. Relive the iconic Bus Boycott of the 1960s, witness the birth of the legendary St Paul’s Carnival and the raw energy and spirit of St Paul’s during this transformative era. Confront the pivotal St Paul’s Riots of the 1980s and understand the catalyst for change.

This isn't just a film screening; it will include opportunities for conversations and reminiscences, with locally sourced snacks and good company. Come, share our patties and savour the stories.

Read more and book your ticket.

The Annihilation of Fish

Tue 22 - Wed 23 Oct

In celebration of the late James Earl Jones - considered to be one of the greatest stage and screen actors of our time - we've brought back the sensational The Annihilation of Fish, following its Bristol premiere at this year's Cinema Rediscovered. 

"His voice was the earth-shaking basso rumble coming from behind the forbidding mask of Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga, starting with the original 1977 film, and the stentorian growl of Mufasa, King of the Pride Lands and father of Simba in The Lion King." The Hollywood Reporter

Read more and book your ticket.

Dahomey

Sat 26 Oct, 1800: Intro and Panel Discussion

From acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics), Dahomey is a poetic work of art that delves into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution.

The Sat 26 Oct 18:00 screening will be introduced by Shawn Sobers, Professor of Cultural Interdisciplinary Practice, UWE. Shawn will then lead a discussion after the screening, with historian Dr Rose Wallis and PhD researcher Stephens Obomese.

Dahomey is playing at Watershed from Fri 25 - Thu 31 Oct.

Presented in partnership with Afrika Eye, who'll be returning here next month on Sat 16 Nov for an all-day lineup celebrating African film and music. 

Read more and book your ticket.

Research and Resources

Alternative Technologies: A Just Transition

"Alternative Technologies: A Just Transition, funded by UWE Bristol as part of NERC Engaging Environments, was a wayfinding mission for life-affirming futures that brought together thinkers, tinkerers, storytellers, and doers with interest and practice in both climate action and creative technology. It was cosy, fun, productive, and unapologetically grounded in Black feminist praxis. We resourced reparative rest for our participants, and our learnings are now cemented through Watershed's organisational rest policy."- Furaha Asani

You can check out the final report and findings here, and keep an eye out for our upcoming Zine.

Looking Forward...

Afrika Eye 2024

Sat 16 Nov 

It's been 18 years since the first Afrika Eye - the festival continues to bring a rich and eclectic programme of films from and about Africa and the diaspora, to Bristol audiences. Films that dig deep into political issues, transcend the mundane, highlight the creative spirit and touch hearts and minds.

Be the first to know when tickets go on sale by registering on our Coming Soon page.

 

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