New Black Voices: Shorts 18

A selection of short films co-curated by the Showroom Cinema, BFI Talent Network and Abena Taylor-Smith, showcasing the ones-to-watch in Black British film. We’ll also have filmmakers sharing their tips on how to break into the industry, and BFI Talent Network Executives hosting a free networking event, to explain how you can access free development and support.

Tickets include a free drink at our post-screening networking event.

Here's what the curators have to say about films:

This Black History Month, I’m honoured to bring Sheffield audiences a series of short films that I have co-curated with Mikaela Smith of the Showroom Sheffield and Amy O’Hara of BFI/ Film Hub North. This programme. These stories travel across time and genre to highlight the richness and nuance of Black British experiences. From loneliness and isolation to teenage sexual awakening and the bittersweet odyssey of being a first generation immigrant. They are made by talented filmmakers who are all going on to make exciting work. The theme is New Black Voices and we are so excited to share these short films with you.

Black Sheep

Winner of Best Short Doc at Sheffield Doc/Fest, this incredibly affecting film also went on to receive an Oscar nomination. It tells the story of Cornelius Walker, whose family moved out of London after the murder of Damilola Taylor. Hoping to find safety, the family found themselves unwelcome in their new home. Walker's voice and presence in this documentary helps elevate a familiar story to something punctuated by incredible personal resilience and strength. Delving into themes of identity, masculinity and race, his narration brings a personal nuance and perspective rarely seen on screen. (MS)

The Arrival

This short film by writer-director Annetta Laufer explores the experience of the Windrush Generation from the perspective of Daisy, a young Jamaican woman who has not seen her husband, Emil, for two years. This film is the first meeting between the young couple on UK soil. There is a rich sense of culture woven into the story, especially from the music, fashions and patois, but my personal favourite- is the first meal Daisy cooks for Emil: yam, pumpkin and sweet potato. (ATS)

Nuraiyah

In this uplifting and beautifully shot micro short, director Khevyn Ibrahim shares with us the joy and philosophies of nine-year-old Nuraiyah. To say anything more risks giving too much away, but I found it really powerful to see a young black child enjoying her life and innocence on screen. By capturing these small moments, Ibrahim gives a touching reminder that childhood narratives should be for everyone. (ATS)

The Best is Yet to Come

This is my new short film. It’s about two young girls, Rosa and Max, trying to get through the wasteland of boredom that is their summer holidays. I spent my teenage years feeling restless, like Sheffield was somewhere I couldn’t wait to get out of. This film is a snapshot of those times. (ATS)

Something in the Closet

Nosa Eke is making queer teen genre films happen. Get on board. Something in the Closet is a sci-fi drama about the sexual awakening of a black teenage girl, triggered by a fateful game of Spin the Bottle. Eke’s film explores the idea that for closeted queer teenagers, real life is the one going on in your head; and for our main character, it’s a mix of a high fantasy and haunting nightmare. (ATS)

Please note that the film collection is screening with an 18 film certificate, due to strong language in one of the short films.