If you have ever harboured ambitions of breaking into the movie industry, then a free film event attended by its director at the University of Bradford could be just the ticket.
The university is set to host a screening of the largest release of an independent black British film in UK history, Black Mail (2022), on Monday October 24 from 3pm to 6pm. The event will be attended by the film’s writer, director and producer, Obi Emelonye, hailed by The Guardian for his “accessible style”.
Billed as a cybercrime thriller, Black Mail went on general release in theatres in August.
Monday’s screening of the film and subsequent Q&A is one of a number of events organised by the university to mark Black History Month.
Mr Emelonye, who has five projects on Netflix, including Last Flight to Abuja, and another on Amazon Prime, said: “To wake up with an idea and pursue it until you can put it on the big screen for people to watch takes what I call stubborn optimism, it takes dedication, and a get-up-and-go attitude. The skills of filmmaking are one thing, but applying those skills and driving the project to completion is another skill set altogether.”
Dr Tiffany Holloman, from the University of Bradford, who helped organise the event, said: “The fact that this is the largest release of a black British film across the UK is a big deal. The fact the film’s director, Obi Emelonye, has agreed to come to the screening to speak about his career, and to take questions from the audience, makes it even more prestigious.
“This is an opportunity for anyone who is interested in film to come and watch the film but also ask questions from its director. The screening is open to staff, students and the general public.”
Book your free tickets here.
