Black cinema celebration bound for Tyneside
Festival's North East debut
Tyneside Cinema is to host a special celebration of Black cinema, storytelling and creative talent.
The eighth edition of S.O.U.L. Fest (the initials standing for Screening Our Unseen Lives) is coming to the venue – and indeed the region – for the first time on Saturday, September 5.
Cinema management say the event, delivered in partnership with the BAFTA-qualifying festival, marks a significant moment for audiences in the North East.
It brings one of the country’s leading platforms for Black filmmakers to Newcastle, creating new opportunities for connection, conversation and cultural exchange.
Funded by North East Screen and Newcastle City Council, and supported by Northern Roots, the event will feature the northern premiere of Black is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story.
The screening will be followed by an exclusive live Q&A featuring journalist and broadcaster Ellen E. Jones alongside members of the cast and creative team.
Kwame Brathwaite was an American photojournalist and activist, born in New York to immigrant parents from Barbados, who documented life and culture in the city’s Black district of Harlem and in Africa.
He is credited with popularising the phrase ‘Black is beautiful’ and backed it up with a portfolio of wonderful images, many of them capturing Black models such as Radiah Frye who appears on the film poster.
With his brother, he also organised the Naturally ’62 pageant, the first of a series featuring only Black fashion models.
He died in 2023, aged 85.
The post-screening discussion will explore the making of the film, the importance of authentic representation on screen and the power of Black storytelling to challenge perceptions, celebrate identity and inspire future generations of filmmakers.
Alongside the premiere, audiences can expect a programme celebrating Black filmmaking and creativity, with opportunities to discover award-winning short films, and engage in conversations with industry professionals from across the UK.
Steph Edusei, Chair of Tyneside Cinema, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome S.O.U.L. Fest to Newcastle for the first time.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to presenting outstanding cinema while creating opportunities for communities across the North East to engage with stories that are too often underrepresented.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to connect audiences with exceptional filmmakers and to celebrate the richness of Black British cinema.”
Iyare Igiehon, director of S.O.U.L Fest, said: “Bringing S.O.U.L. Fest to Tyneside Cinema is a pivotal moment for us.
“From our founding in 2019, we’ve been committed to championing Black British filmmakers and creating pathways for underrepresented voices.
“Tyneside Cinema’s support and expertise has been instrumental in making this a reality, and we’re thrilled to celebrate our films and community alongside new friends in Newcastle.
“This is about ensuring that the richness of Black British cinema reaches audiences across the country.”
Lisa Laws, development director at North East Screen, said: “Creating and bringing world class screen events and opportunities to venues in our region is incredibly important to us.
“We are thrilled to support the S.O.U.L Festival to come to Tyneside cinema for the first time.”
Check the Tyneside Cinema website for details