This Black History Month, Showroom Cinema has programmed a season of special screenings celebrating global achievements by pioneering Black creatives, with films celebrating cultural trailblazers, nationally and internationally, focusing on stories from underrepresented voices.

The programme continues Monday 10 October when the carnival spirit will bring the cinema to life. The documentary Russ Henderson: The Pan Man is a celebration of the legendary steel band and jazz musician Russell Henderson MBE. Henderson was one of the pioneers of Notting Hill Carnival in the 1960s, and his band played a crucial role in starting the iconic carnival precession. Starting life as a street party or neighbourhood children, Henderson and his band led the celebration on the move for the first time, turning it into a parade. 

Director Mike McKenzie interviews Henderson about his experiences of moving to Britain from Trinidad and Tobago, a time of hardship and prejudice for first-generation immigrants. The film succeeds in capturing not only Henderson’s musical prowess but also the energy, commitment and resilience required to create communities and the space for cultural celebrations. The event will also feature an accompanying documentary on the Notting Hill Carnival and live steel pan performances for a total celebration of carnival culture. 

Sheffield has its own carnival heritage, with the famous African Caribbean Fortnight organised by community groups from 1979 to 1994. The carnival was one of many events over the two weeks, but it was what many people remember most fondly. The carnival triumphantly returned to the city in 2018 and was a great success, but COVID sadly halted its progress. Sheffield Carnival director Rhonda Allen will host the Showroom Cinema event and lead the Q&A with director Mike McKenzie. A perfect opportunity to reintroduce the city to the Sheffield Carnival post-pandemic. 

The Black History Month cinema celebrations continue Monday 19 October, with a special screening of the documentary Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes. An essential recording location during the ‘golden age’ of reggae, Studio 17 saw artists, including Bob Marley pass through its doors. The film recovers lost studio recordings for the first time. 

Finally, on Tuesday 25 October, there will be a special screening of The Gravedigger’s Wife. A modern breakthrough in African filmmaking, the film is Somalia’s first-ever official entry to the Best Film in a Foreign Language category at the Oscars. Director Khadar Ayderus Ahmed will attend a Q&A following the film. 

Tickets are on sale now.

This article first featured in the Sheffield Telegraph on Thursday 06 October 2022.