In Celebration of Our Sisters  &  Black History Walks

present..

The Story of Lovers Rock, plus Q & A with Menelik Shabbaz

Saturday 16 April 2-5pm

Coronet Cinema

103 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB. Notting Hill Gate Tube

Tickets £8.00. Available   online only , no sales on the door, from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/108425)   

The STORY OF LOVERS ROCK  http://www.loversrockthefilm.com/ by Menelik Shabbaz (Burning an Illusion) is a feature length documentary that tells the story of a genre of reggae that was created in the UK. It was influential and very successful in the 70s and 80s and still lives on today. Along with the music came the dancing and fashion that created a unique brand of lifestyle. Inspired by female artists Lovers Rock was the first ‘girl power’ music in the UK at a time of heightened political tension and racism.

The film consists of memorable live performance (including Jean Adebambo before she sadly passed), interviews and light-hearted comedic memories that provides an untold portrait of the post Windrush generation.

Artists include: Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson, Maxi Priest, Michael Gordon, Sandra Cross. Also featured are comedians; Angie Le Mar, Eddie Nestor, Robbie Gee, Wayne Rollins & Glenda Jaxson. Interviews include Dr Lez Henry, Eddie Nestor, Linton Kwesi Johnson

• Lovers Rock is part of the legacy of British musical history and deserves recognition as such. This film will bring attention to its contribution, relevant to all cultures.
• The film provides an opportunity to revisit an era of the 70s and 80s and the contributions of the post Windrush generation to British culture.
• It provides a chance for the younger generations to understand their parent’s struggles and contributions to life in Britain.
• Help us to bring back the spiritual love into our community.
• It’s one of the first films to be non–funded by Government and financed partly by the community it represents.

Miracle at Santa Anna. A Spike Lee Joint 

Sat 5 November 2-5pm

BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1

Tube: Waterloo

African Odysseys at the BFI www.bfi.org.uk

Rated R (Strong language and violence) See video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcKPi5DyGWs 

Although this film came out in the US in September 2008 it has never been released here and this will be its cinematic premiere. One must question why such quality films on black war heroes by a famous director are not selected for distibution while other far less edifying films are on heavy rotation. In World War 2 thousands of African-american troops were sent to fight for freedom and democracy on behalf of the USA which refused black people to right to vote. Initially the Armed Forces were reluctant to use black troops but due to the agitation of the US black community and the increasing casualty rate segregated units like the 92nd Infantry, the 761 Black Panther Tank Battalion and the Tuskeegee airmen were sent into action. The film follows the exploits of the 92nd infantry division and their activities in Italy when a small unit is trapped behind enemy lines and discovers a priceless artefact, a massive war crime and a supernatural statue The film will be followed by a Q and A with a WW2 veteran

Black History Walks will present a review of 200 Years of Black Soldiers in British Armed Forces on 8th October at 12.30pm at the Imperial War Museum

Monday 12 September 6.30-9pm

Kensington Library Theatre, Phillimore Walk off High Street Kensington, W8 7RX

Tube:High St Kensington

Tickets only £9.00 online only from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/133540

Never released in this country! Second only cinema screening !

See video clip here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D90GKozn-Xg  

(On 5th November www.blackhistorywalks will also be screening the never-UK-released Spike Lee film Miracle at Santa Anna)

Producer Bishop T.D. Jakes invites you to the marriage of Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) and Jason Taylor (Laz Alonso, Fast & Furious), who just might be the perfect couple. Unfortunately, their families are a perfect recipe for disaster. Mrs. Watson (Angela Bassett) has an upper-crust sensibility that matches her family's posh estate, where Jason's straight-out-of-Brooklyn mom (Loretta Devine) seems utterly out of place. When the families gather for Jason and Sabrina's wedding, it becomes clear that each side has its traditions...and its secrets. When uptown meets downtown, the truth comes out - and only one question remains. Will this couple endure the hysterical and harrowing trials of love and finally jump the broom

This film was supposed to have a UK release but like Great Debaters, Miracle at Santa Anna, Pride and many other positive black fims.. it never happened. Images of Black Women and Black History Walks are proud to present this movie www.imagesofblackwomen.com www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk

Lovers Rock, often dubbed 'romantic reggae' is a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of riots, racial tension and sound systems. Live performance, comedy sketches, dance, interviews and archive shed light on the music and the generation that embraced it. Lovers Rock allowed young people to experience intimacy and healing through dance- known as 'scrubbing'- at parties and clubs. This dance provided a coping mechanism for what was happening on the streets. Lovers Rock developed into a successful sound with national UK hits and was influential to British bands (Police, Culture Club, UB40) These influences underline the impact the music was making in bridging the multi-cultural gap that polarized the times. The film sheds light on a forgotten period of British music, social and political history.

See video trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiJof_zx2Uk

The Story of Lovers Rock sees the welcome return after an absence of 15 years, of one of our most important British storytellers, director Menelik Shabazz. He is perhaps best known for his award winning feature BURNING AN ILLUSION (1982). Menelik has previously directed work for ITV, BBC and Channel 4. Check out Menelik's film collection

The Menelik Shabbazz Film Collection http://www.loversrockthefilm.com/index.php?page=dvd

The release date for THE STORY OF LOVERS ROCK is 30th September 2011 in selected cinemas in London and Birmingham and other cities.

Cinema City Norwich 29/09/11 1 day. Ritzy Brixton 30/09/11 1 day. Rio Dalston 30/09/11 1 day. Shortwave Bermondsey 30/09/11
3 days Vue Shepherds Bush 30/09/11 7 days. Vue Birmingham Star City 30/09/11 7 days. Peckhamplex Peckham 30/09/11
7 days. Pictureville Bradford 04/10/11 4 days.  Riverside Hammersmith 18/10/11 1 day, MAC Birmingham. 18/10/11 3 days. Rich Mix Bethnal Green 20/10/11 1 day. Duke of Yorks Brighton 22/10/11 1 day.

 Keep up to date for more screenings Join THE STORY OF LOVERS ROCK facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Story-of-Lovers-Rock-the-Film-September-2011/131119666982592